The relief from the temple of Ramesses III (1184–1153 BC) in Medinet Habu is often considered to be the most ancient representation of a brailed sail. According to many researchers, the loose-footed sail and the system of brails were invented in the ancient countries of the Syro-Canaanite coast and were later adopted by the Ancient Egyptians. However, iconographic material from Ancient Egypt testifies to the indigenous origin of a loose-footed sail. The article presents an unknown relief from the Amarna period (1352–1336 BC) that further supports this hypothesis.

Alexander Belov
First published: 25 January 2019
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

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