The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology is preparing to release a new special-edition publication in collaboration with the Association for the Safeguarding of the Maritime Heritage of Villefranche-sur-Mer…
The richly illustrated volume takes readers on a journey through the centuries, exploring the legacy of the galley — a long, narrow warship propelled mainly by oars, widely used in the Mediterranean from antiquity through the 18th century. Often manned by slaves or prisoners, these ships played a crucial role in naval warfare, trade, and diplomacy for civilizations from Ancient Greece and Rome to the Ottoman Empire.
This new work brings together 19 scholarly articles that dive into the origins, evolution, and cultural impact of the galley across various regions and historical periods. Jean-François Mascle, president of the maritime heritage association, explains that while the publication does not attempt to cover the entire history of the galley, it offers rich insight into its many forms and functions — from ancient Egyptian vessels and Greek triremes to Roman adaptations and Pacific canoes that relied on similar rowing principles.
Particularly compelling is the coverage of legendary naval clashes such as the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where galley fleets clashed in one of the most significant confrontations of the age.
The publication will soon be available for purchase at the Museum of Anthropology, offering a valuable resource for history enthusiasts, maritime scholars, and anyone fascinated by the seafaring empires of the past.
