Visitors to the Hellenic Maritime Museum will have the opportunity, through a special exhibit, to explore Mycenaean ships that “sail” through Homeric epics and shaped the maritime tradition of ancient Greece on Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m.
Reconstructing the Mycenaean trireme
This “journey” through time is part of the event “NIES PONTOPORI: Building the Myth”. It features the impressive life-size (1:1) reconstruction of part of a Mycenaean, 20-oared trireme. Reconstructed shipbuilding tools will be showcased, revealing the techniques and secrets of Mycenaean shipbuilders.
Additionally, the event will offer an intriguing “glimpse” into the shipbuilding artistry of Odysseus, as well as the techniques and stages of shipbuilding as described in the Homeric epics. This will be presented particularly in the section on Odysseus’ “crafty plan” for building his vessel.
As part of the event, the 2nd edition of the book NIES PONTOPORII: Homeric Ships, Skilled Sailors and Nautical Archaeology (with a foreword by Prof. Theodosis Tassiou) will officially be presented by the archaeologist Dr. Dimitra Kamarinou from the University of Patras.
This fascinating study reveals the role of ships and sea voyages in the Bronze Age Mediterranean. It also delves into the interaction of cultures and the mythological and historical dimensions of ancient shipbuilding.
The Academy of Athens praised the study which documents the reconstruction choices of the trireme section related to the cultural heritage of the Mycenaeans and the roots of maritime history.
A collaborative effort in maritime archaeology
The event will culminate with a roundtable discussion featuring experts from various fields, scientists, and shipbuilders who contributed to the experimental reconstruction of the twenty-oared ship.
At the same time, organizers emphasize that this is a unique opportunity for the public to explore ancient shipbuilding. They will connect Homeric myths with modern research and craftsmanship.
Nikos Vafias sponsored the event, and the Municipality of Xilokastro supported it. The construction of part of the Mycenaean twenty-oared ship is based on 20 years of research. The “Interdisciplinary Team of Naval Archaeology of Xylokastro” conducted the research.
Furthermore, the study merges the archaeological studies of Dimitra Kamarinou with Spyros Bisiotis’ technical studies and Bronze Age ship model experiments.
Christos Govotsos, an E.M.P. engineer, edited the construction plans, and the shipbuilder Panagiotis Leontis carried out the shipbuilding studies.
The Emmanouil Psarrou shipyard, with shipbuilders Yannis, Byron, Stathis Chalkias, and Giorgos Bakopoulos, completed the construction. Christos Govotsos designed the sail with input from Glavkos Kariolou. Kafetzidakis Sails manufactured the ship, while Costas Gourvelos assembled it.
Exhibition and cultural significance of Mycenaean ships
At the Hellenic Maritime Museum, the exhibition runs until October 22nd. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to witness how these warships were built and explore the tools used by shipbuilders of the era, showcasing the results of two decades of award-winning research.
The event organizers invite everyone to engage with the historical legacy of the Mycenaeans. The exhibit highlights the Mycenaeans’ ships, maritime prowess, and enduring influence on ancient Greek culture and modern shipbuilding.