Maritime infrastructure in the eastern Mediterranean : a context-based approach to continuity and innovation in nautical technology (c. 1400-700 B.C.)

The present thesis offers a comprehensive study of ships and nautical technology in the Eastern Mediterranean of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age periods (c.1400-700 B.C.). Previous synoptic works on the subject typically cover either a single region or period all the while focusing exclusively on the technical aspect of ship depictions. The aim of this thesis seeks to address these limitations in a twofold manner. First, by charting trans-regional trends and patterns from a longue durée perspective, integrating all available representational, textual and shipwreck evidence for Cyprus, the Levant and the Aegean as well as the scatter of additional sources from elsewhere in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Second, by approaching ship representations as cultural artefacts, providing a historically situated, context-based analysis that integrates the technical aspects with socioeconomic practices, cultural significance and attitudes. The work includes a detailed catalogue of over 350 ship representations, a third of which consist of new finds which do not feature in previous compilations. In addition to technical description, each individual entry provides detailed information on the medium, archaeological context, visual impact and use of the artefact. Roughly 40% of the corpus was furthermore either drawn or re-drawn to offer high resolution images. An important aim of this structuring was to provide readers with a means to consult, examine and assess individual representations independently of my own analysis and conclusions. The thesis identifies distinct Levantine, Aegean and Cypriot nautical traditions, each comprised of a set of technical, artistic and consumption habits peculiar to the region while also exhibiting a unique pattern in terms of external influences. An effort is made to identify specific vessel types and post terminals as well as to provide a historical trajectory for landmark technological improvements, their potential source of origin, chronology, and long-term historical impact.