Model of a penticonter (pentikontoros)

A Pentikontoros was an ancient Greek ship being used from the archaic until the Hellenistic period both as a merchant and as a warship. It was a flexible vessel with high range of activity. Its driving force was 50 rowers plus a central mast with a square sail. It has been estimated that a pentikontoros was 28-38 metres long and 4-5 metres wide. It could develop a speed up to 9 knots. Source: Museum inscription.

Collection: Athens War Museum