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This thesis examines the Athenian navy in the fifth century BC from the standpoint of its image, in terms of perception and reputation, in comparison and contrast to its fact, in terms of actuality and truth. It investigates features of cultural history based around and arising from the contemporary state of mind about Athens� naval ships and sailors, from the points of view of Athenians and outsiders. Its hypothesis is that the supremacy of Athens� navy and the integrity of Athens� naval society in the fifth century were partly products of the Athenian imagination, and in turn gave rise to a reputation for Athens� navy and sailors that itself helped to fulfil Athens� naval and related tasks. Methodologically, the arguments of the thesis are developed 'from the inside out', as they are derived essentially from the primary sources, and then engage with secondary sources where appropriate. The approach is holistic, with source material derived principally from history, literature, art, architecture, and on-site analysis, with extensive illustrations. The thesis is expansive. It begins by examining the perception of Athens� naval supremacy and invincibility by Athenians and outsiders, and the impact that this had upon Athens� ability to achieve her naval and related objectives. It then looks inwardly upon Athens herself, in order to assess Athens� own social attitude towards her naval oarsmen and their base and home at the Piraeus. In this respect, the thesis investigates the development of artistic and literary depictions of the oarsmen of Athenian ships from the eighth to the fifth centuries, and the conclusions to be drawn from their visibility or its lack. It then considers the relationship between Athens and the Piraeus, beginning with the foundations of the image of unity before contrasting that image with the reality of naval division, in terms of Ionianism, autochthony, administration, politics, cult, and the deceit of Athenicity. The thesis then casts its net from the Piraeus across the Aegean Sea, by assessing the roles of Samos and Delos in the perception of naval Athens. Lastly, the thesis examines a topic that combines those of Athens� navy, the Piraeus, and overseas involvement. This topic is the importance of the reputations of Athens� navy and of the Piraeus in overseas trade with Athens� allies and particularly non-allies; and, including social and legal considerations, for influential Athenian citizens who wished to protect their investments in maritime loans for the transit of essential goods to Athens. The thesis concludes that the influence of the Athenian navy was indeed a product of image as much as of fact. |
