Journal Article

The naval origin of classical entablature in the light of the clay model of a galley from Gytheion

Ciordia, José M.

2026

Overview

Seeking an explanation for some striking formal characteristics of classical Greek temples, the author hypothesize that the temple (naos in Greek) derives from an upturned rowing ship (naus) stored on supports, which ancient sailors may have used to camp overseas and to gather in their Greek homeland. Examples are provided showing that this practice has been widespread in various maritime cultures. Next, the freeboard of the galleys of the Geometric and Archaic periods, well known from the clay model found in Gytheion, are formally compared with Doric and Ionic entablatures. Ten similarities are found, arranged vertically in reverse order, which explain their origin and function. Further on, the existence of two entablatures is explained as the result of an enlargement, which gave rise to the peristyle. Other characteristics of the temple are subjected to the hypothesis. The internal consistency and explanatory scope of the hypothesis lead the author to conclude that Greek Doric and Ionic temples do indeed imitate upturned rowing ships in their entablature and roofs, and that elements traditionally considered ornamental originally had a functional role in the ships they were intended to reproduce. Finally author suggests that further research be conducted on written sources and field archaeology.

• Publisher: Elsevier B.V
• Subject: Architectural sculpture / Freeboard / Greek temple / Ornamentation / Penteconter / Peristasis