To meet the enormous expenses of maintaining its powerful navy,
democratic Athens gave wealthy citizens responsibility for
financing and commanding the fleet. Known as
"trierarchs"--literally, ship commanders--they bore the expenses of
maintaining and repairing the ships, as well as recruiting and
provisioning their crews. The trierarchy grew into a powerful
social institution that was indispensable to Athens and primarily
responsible for the city's naval prowess in the classical
period.
"Financing the Athenian Fleet" is the first full-length study
of the financial, logistical, and social organization of the
Athenian navy. Using a rich variety of sources, particularly the
enormous body of inscriptions that served as naval records, Vincent
Gabrielsen examines the development and function of the Athenian
trierarchy and revises our understanding of the social, political,
and ideological mechanisms of which that institution was a part.
Exploring the workings, ships, and gear of Athens' navy, Gabrielsen
explains how a huge, costly, and highly effective operation was run
thanks to the voluntary service and contributions of the wealthy
trierarchs. He concludes with a discussion of the broader
implications of the relationship between Athens' democracy and its
wealthiest citizens.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!