#MAREMonday 36

On 03.02.2025 we present the 36th session of our online lecture series with a contribution of

George Apeitos
(University of Oxford)

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

Abstract:

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 4th 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 a detailed 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 lecture. Theories of psychology and sociology are introduced, 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.