Liquid melody : an archaeology of the Homeric Sirens and maritime navigation in the Graeco-Roman world

Abstract

This thesis suggests that the Sirens in Homer’s Odyssey represent hazards experienced by Graeco-Roman seafarers. It discusses ancient navigation and then draws parallels between the Siren episode, the realities of maritime travel, and the physical environment of the Mediterranean. The discussion of Homeric geography places the Sirens at dangerous points in the sea lane along the Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy. These passages are characterised by narrow channels, high cliffs, and unpredictable currents and wind. Siren cults were established at the site of these topographic features. This ritualisation of the landscape cannot be separated from navigation, Greek expansion westwards, and the historical importance of the port cities of Magna Graecia. It curates iconographic evidence to provide a holistic overview of the various functions of the Siren symbol. The methodology is inspired by the maritime cultural landscape approach. First, the discussion of seascapes describes the topographic, hydrological and meteorological influences on seafaring at each location associated with the Sirens. Second, the shipwreck record is examined in the context of the physical environment. The key findings involve possible links between the geographic location of the Sirens and material evidence for difficulty at sea. Ultimately, this thesis argues that Sirens can be understood as cognitive agents within the maritime cultural landscape.