Engraved Scaraboid with Protesilaos on the Prow of a Ship
400–350 B.C.
On this gem, a warship is rowed to the left, with the heads and torsos of five rowers on its second deck shown in action; oars from the lower deck appear below. The prow curves upwards above a decorative large eye with the battering ram below. On the top deck a helmeted warrior, perhaps Protesilaos, runs towards the prow with a shield and spear in hand.
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)