Ships and Sea-Power before the Great Persian War

This book presents a new theory about the developments in shipping and naval organization that culminated in the invention - around 530 BC in the eastern Mediterranean - of the trireme, and the subsequent adoption of this first specialized warship of antiquity by all the naval powers of the time.New interpretations are proposed of Greek and Assyrian iconographic data and of hitherto ignored evidence in Herodotos and Thukydides, the non-military factors determining developments are emphasized. Thukydides' fundamental essay on the genesis of Greek sea-powers is studied in depth, the rarity of these sea-powers stressed, and the peculiar background of the naval power of Phokaia and the Samian tyrant Polykrates exposed. The problem of the trireme's place of origin, the factors determining its invention, probably in Saïte Egypt, and its immediate adoption by the Persian king Kambyses are discussed. The first naval operations of the Persians are surveyed, reasons and circumstances of the trireme's introduction into the navies of the Greek city-states analysed with special attention for Themistokles' navy bill.The book offers ancient historians and classical philologists a radically new approach to archaic maritime and naval history. It will also be useful to (nautical) archaeologists.

'Has been selected for inclusion in the Bibliographie Internationale d'Histoire Militaire.' '...a most scholarly treatment of a very complex and generally obscure but critical area of maritime history...a valuable reference study.' Thomas C. Gillmer, The Northern Mariner, 1994. 'His direct approach, coupled with persuasive observations, is bound to attract a goodly number of followers and opponents. Highly recommended for both general readers and expert.' Donald F. Jackson, Religious Studies Review, 1994. '...a highly original book, which covers both the technological developments in the field of naval construction and the historical context.' F.J.A.M. Meijer, Mnemosyne, 1994. 'This is a book that should be consulted not only by scholars of ancient naval warfare, but by anyone whose teaching or research interests lie in the period c. 800-480 BC.' Antony Graham Keen, Scholia, 1994. 'There is a considerable attraction in some of these revisionist views...a starting point for further discussion...' Boris Rankov, The Classical Review, 1994. 'This is an exciting, creative, and inventive work with something new on every page.' Thomas Kelly, The American Neptune, 1994. '...a well-argued book.' R.B. Salters, SOTS, 1994. 'This is by far the most thought-provoking and important book on the subject which has appeared in recent years.' J.F. Lazenby, The International History of Review, 1994. 'It should be said straightaway that W. has written a highly original book, which covers both the technological development in the field of naval construction and the historical context. This is the main strength of the book. Moreover, W. makes his intentions clear from the start, and he never shuns discussion with other scholars. His index of ancient sources and his excellent general index allow the reader to check his argument at each stage...In my opinion W. has written a fascinating and original account of a critical period in Greek maritime history. On every page the reader is confronted with new, provocative and unorthodox interpretations, which will stimulate other scholars to reconsider their views.' F.J.A.M. Meijer, Bibliotheca Orientalis, 1996.

H.T. Wallinga has been Professor of Ancient History at the University of Amsterdam (1960-64) and at the University of Utrecht (1964-90) in the Netherlands. He is a specialist in the maritime history of the ancient world. His recent publications have been concerned with the maritime aspects of the relationship between the Persian empire and the Mediterranean world: the Ionian revolt, the Persian navy and its predecessors, the 'thalassocracy' of Polycrates of Samos, Persian and Delian tribute, and the chief naval base of the Persians in Cilicia.