Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:34:18-2:36:45

How large was Ptolemy IV's 'forty'?

Reported dimensions and thousands of crew suggest an enormous display vessel, although its hull reconstruction and length conversions require caution.

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Question

What dimensions and crew are reported for Ptolemy IV's 'forty'?

Short answer

The figures include a length of 280 cubits and 4,000 rowers, 400 sailors and 2,850 marines. The length conversions conflict, and the catamaran arrangement remains a reconstruction.

Notes

The reported length of the Ptolemaic forty is given as 280 cubits, although the accompanying feet and metre conversions are inconsistent. Lionel Casson's proposed catamaran reconstruction assigns about 17 metres of beam to each hull. The reported complement includes 4,000 rowers, 400 sailors and deckhands, and 2,850 marines. Other personnel might have raised the total towards 8,000. These figures describe an enormous vessel whose scale is interpreted as a means of displaying status and intimidation.