Scholarlink

<p>The set of inscriptions known as the Naval Inventories of Athens (<i>IG</i> II2 1604–<i>IG</i> II2 1632) provide a wealth of information regarding the state of the Athenian navy in the fourth century BC. The inscriptions include the names of the triremes, of which 279 unique cases are preserved. This paper was developed around two questions: What kinds of names did Athenians choose for their warships? And is naming triremes a practice that goes beyond the practicality of keeping track of each ship? Firstly, the historical background is presented, followed by an investigation of triremes, both in technical characteristics and in the people comprising the crew. Furthermore, the triremes are described as complicated expressions of the society that built and used them, and hence, they are used as objects which lay the theoretical framework of this study. The names are presented in separated categories, resolving the first research question of this paper. Theories of psychology and sociology are employed, which helps to explain why naming warships is a tactic to enhance group cohesiveness. Sailors identify with the virtues and qualities of the ‘personified’ trireme, subconsciously developing their sense of belonging, improving their morale, confidence, and presumably overall performance, while fighting the world’s toughest frontier.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Names of Athenian Triremes: Investigating Group Cohesiveness and Social Identity in the Athenian Navy of the 4th Century BC

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月31日

查看全文
  • Georgios Apeitos

摘要

The set of inscriptions known as the Naval Inventories of Athens (IG II2 1604–IG II2 1632) provide a wealth of information regarding the state of the Athenian navy in the fourth century BC. The inscriptions include the names of the triremes, of which 279 unique cases are preserved. This paper was developed around two questions: What kinds of names did Athenians choose for their warships? And is naming triremes a practice that goes beyond the practicality of keeping track of each ship? Firstly, the historical background is presented, followed by an investigation of triremes, both in technical characteristics and in the people comprising the crew. Furthermore, the triremes are described as complicated expressions of the society that built and used them, and hence, they are used as objects which lay the theoretical framework of this study. The names are presented in separated categories, resolving the first research question of this paper. Theories of psychology and sociology are employed, which helps to explain why naming warships is a tactic to enhance group cohesiveness. Sailors identify with the virtues and qualities of the ‘personified’ trireme, subconsciously developing their sense of belonging, improving their morale, confidence, and presumably overall performance, while fighting the world’s toughest frontier.