Doric column · 2006-07-15

Just a brief post to remind myself that this site is only on standby, but not dead. The next chapter to be published is the relative to the columns of the Greek temples. As you can imagine, I argue that the columns come from the oars of the galleys, with a little modification. The pole of an oar could be used to propel stone discs (i.e. a lenticular anchors) in order to pierce the hull of enemy ships. Here is a figure (by the author) on how it could be accompished.

Figure of an anchor used as atillery weapon

Obviously I think that such a kind of weapon can be at the origin of doric columns. There are similar weapons in ancient naval iconography. I am alluding to the big fish that appears at the bow of cycladic boats (see bottom). In my oppinion these fishes are the precedents of the classic dolphins that merchant boats used as a defense (to know more).

A cycladic boat, with a throwable dolphin

But did there exist little dolphins, of human size?. Here at the bottom is an little statue of Zeus throwing a thunderbolt. Actually the thunderbolt has the shape of a particular kind of anchor. The iconography of the Zeus’ thunderbolt, usually represented on coins, ceramics and shields, is very puzzling. An anchor can be at the origin of this richly decorated object.

Little statue of Zeus throwing an anchor

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