[SunkenCiv]

Thanks to FastCoyote for pointing out these articles.

Lionel Casson states (in one or more of his books) that the largest Roman vessels were the grain haulers, with a capacity of about 100 tons. This statement has been superseded by more recent information (I guess that's the explanation). Gaius, better known as Caligula, had ten or so columns transported from an Egyptian quarry to Rome. Each of them weighed about 200 tons. Obviously they went by water. None of these ships has been found on the bottom, alas (yet).

I highly recommend Casson's books BTW.

To all -- please ping me to other topics which are appropriate for the GGG list. Thanks.

Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on or off the
Gods, Graves, Glyphs PING list or GGG weekly digest
-- Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)

[bitt]

!

[Pharmboy]

Lionel Casson was my professor for intro classics course during undergrad days at NYU. Best prof I EVER had.

[SunkenCiv]

Rome - Engineering and Industry: Nemi Ships
togliard

The Romans produced suction force pumps in all types for all sea and land necessities. One of the archeological discoveries which most contributed to on/ knowledge of Roman metallurgy was the recovery of two ships of lake Nemi... These ships contained lead pipe (in the ship plumbing system), valves, pieces of equipment including a rotating table on ball bearings and several metallic objects made from various alloys of iron, copper and bronze which vary according to their intended use. The lead pipe conforms to the dimensions and norms set in Frontinus' text... The inscriptions on the lead pipe found on the Nemi ships have done more to date the ships than the masonry trademarks... But the precise dating of the Nemi Ships based on the name of Caligula (37 to 41 A.D.) has been established by the for fstulae found three inside the first ship and the fourth nearby with their seal G. CAESARIS AVG GERMANIC all stamped with the same die (evidenced by the imperfect impression of the C on the various pieces of pipe)... The valve found on board is according to the standards a vicenaria in perfect working condition... The rotating platform found on the Nemi ship establishes that the Romans were acquainted with and used ball-bearings. Bronze bearings fixed in place by pins were positioned around the circumference of the platform at regular intervals to permit the rotary movement scythe load.