Original scientific paper

Latitude sailing on the Mediterranean

T. Bilić

Abstract

An interpretation of the well-known Greek myth of Alpheus and Arethusa is provided. It is believed that this myth emerged as a description of latitude sailing between the Peloponnese and Sicily. There is a discussion of the stars on this route which could have served to assist navigation. There is an explanation of the ancient practice of determining latitude by observing the altitude of the lower culmination of the last circumpolar star. Some suggested maritime routes are also provided which could have been traversed using the latitude sailing technique. There is a also a discussion of the stars that could have been used as navigation aids on such voyages.

Keywords

stars; navigation; latitude; Alpheus/Alfeios; Arethusa; Crete; Sicily

Hrčak ID:

6080

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/6080

Publication date:

21.12.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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