Conceptions of the Watery World in Greco-Roman Antiquity

ISBN-13: 9781784538293 / Angielski / Twarda / 2021 / 296 str.

Georgia L. Irby

Opis

Addressing the lack of a comprehensive overview of how seas, rivers and waterways were sailed upon, navigated and utilized by the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, the author sheds panoramic new light on the distinctive classical cultures of the ancient 'Great Sea'. Drawing on myth, theory, technology and a rich body of antique literatures, Dr Irby addresses such subjects as river depths and island formation; siltation and tidal currents; weather and navigation by the sun and stars; the commercial and ritual values of water; hydraulic installations and engineering (including dams, aqueducts, canals and harbours); and water as a symbol of power and identity. This first complete study of the ancient engagement - whether cultural, spiritual or scientific - with water makes a major contribution to classics, geography, hydrology and the history of science alike.