08-02-2008, 05:19 PM
I have come across six about depictions of Roman stern mounted rudders now. Mostly at the Rhine and its tributaries, but also one of a pull boat in the Portus.
Enough evidence IMO to say that the centrality of the rudder as such was not thing from outer Mars for the Romans.
Why it did not replace the quarter rudder, is another question. Both Mott and Lionel Casson went explicitly on the record that the quarter rudder was not "one whit inferior", but only offered advantages of a different kind.
Enough evidence IMO to say that the centrality of the rudder as such was not thing from outer Mars for the Romans.
Why it did not replace the quarter rudder, is another question. Both Mott and Lionel Casson went explicitly on the record that the quarter rudder was not "one whit inferior", but only offered advantages of a different kind.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
