Page 49 - History of War - Issue 01-14

NIGHT LIGHT Above the helmsman’s position on the poop deck
were three large, ornate lanterns. They were used as beacons for
keeping the fleet together at night.

BOARDING STEPS A pair of curved ladders – one on either side of the poop deck – were
used for embarking and disembarking the ship.

LATIN MOTTO The rudder’s inscription extolled the virtues of prudence and strength –
both of which were needed to rule the waves.

POOP DECOR AND CANOPY The backrests
of the poop deck’s benches depicted
episodes from Greek myths, most of
which had a nautical theme and a moral
message. An awning was draped over
the canopy to keep out the sun, wind
and rain, and to give protection in battle.

This feature is an edited extract from The
RUDDER Galley rudders were smaller Military History Book, published in the UK
than those on sailing ships, and curved by Dorling Kindersley and available from
rather than straight. both online and high-street book stores.
HISTORY WAR 49
of

HoW01.Inside View.indd 49 29/01/2014 17:49