Abstract:
In Athens during the second half of the sixth century BC there was a sharp increase in the
number of representations of ships on black-figure vases, more than half of which were
strings of little longships (pentekonters and triakonters) sailing around in series within the
mouths of lebetes and kraters, as well as in some cup tondos. It is suggested, in the absence
of an evident mythological association, that these depictions were a sociohistorical construct,
reflecting awareness among the symposion-going Athenian elite of the significance of contemporary
maritime activities in strengthening the position of Athens and her economic well-being.
Although other elite families also engaged in shipping as raiders and traders, the most influential
stimulus is likely to have been the seafaring enterprises of Peisistratos.