Sales of Sail: The Production and Economy behind Roman Sails (20 min)

Presenters

Leah E. Tavasi, University of Oxford

Abstract

This paper creates an economy of ancient sail production through the formulation and analysis of a chaîne opératoire. Nautical technology during the classical period is a frequent topic of discussion due to its effect on trade and societal development. This paper fills a gap in the classical maritime literature by creating an economy of sails—how much they cost, where they were made, who made them—and the implications of such an economy. Once the base textiles of linen, wool, and cotton are determined through a review of the existing archaeological evidence, the preparation of these fabrics is analyzed. With regard to sail production, key elements are established integral to sails and their cost. The prices of each of these elements are structured in a production line and are used to determine the price of a Nilotic river boat. These sails are considered a regional tradition and chosen for the sufficient archaeological remains needed to determine a price. In addition, the prices of sails depicted in reliefs, such as the Torr relief, and described textually, such as Procopius’s triangular sail, are used to compare and contrast against the prices of “basic” river sails. These sails provide insight into the economic system and professions that supported seafaring as well as the greater industry of textile production.

  AIA-7A