#MAREMonday 48

On 01.06.2026 we present the 48th session of our online lecture series with a contribution of

Leah Tavasi
(University of Oxford)

Sales of Sail: The Production and Economy of Roman Egyptian Sails

Filling a gap in classical maritime literature by creating an economy of sails – how much they cost, where they were made, who made them – and the implications of such an economy, a sail production line is created through the formulation and analysis of a chaine operatoire.

Through a discussion of the primary base textiles used – linen, cotton, and wool – in relation to the archaeological evidence, the preparation of these fabrics is analyzed. Key elements are established integral to sails and their cost. The prices of each of these elements are structured in a production line, and are used to determine the price of Nilotic river boat sail, as well as sails depicted in reliefs and described textually. These sails provide insight into the economic system and professions that supported seafaring as well as the greater industry of textile production.