No 9

Location: On the vertical cladding plate of the second loggia, from west to east, in the central part of the northern gallery.

Material: Marble surface, 6th century.

Dimensions: Height 10.5 cm, length 16.5 cm, at 40 cm from the floor level.

Condition: Shallow, clearly carved, not intersected by others.

Technique: Incised.

Description: The ship is drawn in profile, facing right. The elongated hull has a flat deck with rounded sternpost and a pointed, smoothly protruding bow. At the lower part of the hull, a zigzagging line is visible. The ship clearly carries a long and narrow beak or spur (speron) at the bow. It is curved downward due to lack of space in the image. The bow appears to be equipped with triangle superstructure or a large, permanent fighting platform enclosed by a roof (arrumbada).
A large rectangular superstructure is placed at the stern. On a tall flagpole, above the superstructure, flutters a large flag with a rounded edge and geometric figure resembling the Latin letter C. The single mast is equipped with a large basket-like observation platform, tilted towards the stern. On the top of the mast a waving narrow flag with two sharp ends is set. The mast is supported with a backstay towards the stern and a forestay towards the bow. Two calligraphic inscriptions, which in Arabic  denotes "Allah" ("God"), are clearly visible behind and below the ship.

Type: C/Ia.  

Attribution: Light galley.

Publications: Tomov, Potajnostite na "Sv. Sofia", 140-144.

Commentary: Tomov, Potajnostite na "Sv. Sofia", 140-144.

Date: 16th–17th century AD.