Description:
Ancient Naval Ram Casting Project
From 2021 to 2023, I led an experimental archaeology project to recreate a full-scale bronze naval ram using the closest known approximations of ancient methods. The project involved constructing the bow of a warship, pitching the hull, building the entire ram model in beeswax, and casting it using the lost-wax process. Based on the dimensions of surviving archaeological rams, the reconstruction is now considered representative of a quinquereme-sized ram, rather than the trireme-sized ram originally proposed. It is the first bronze naval ram cast in over 1,500 years and the only naval ram outside the Mediterranean basin. This reconstruction can better inform our understanding of the time, manpower, and materials required to produce ancient naval rams, as well as the broader socioeconomic implications of building ancient navies.
“’This research can help us understand the evolution of major warships, from the fleets of Alexander the Great’s successors to the vessels that secured Rome’s naval dominance,’ says Stephen DeCasien…”
– New Scientist. April 11, 2025.
Location:
Texas A&M University
Project Advisors:
Dr. Stephen DeCasien, Dr. Christopher Dostal, and Glenn Grieco
Date:
Fall 2021 to Spring 2023
News Links:
https://grad.tamu.edu/aggie-life/news/grad-student-explores-ancient-warfare-with-naval-ram-project
https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a42538670/grad-student-builds-ancient-naval-ram/
https://techno.nv.ua/ukr/popscience/starodavniy-morskiy-taran-50301768.html
Project Related Publications:
- DeCasien, S., C. Dostal, and G. Grieco. “An Experimental Archaeological Project in Recreating an Ancient Bronze Naval Ram.” Journal of Archaeological Science 178 (2025): Advance online publication.
- DeCasien, S. “Beeswax to Bronze: Recreating an Ancient Naval Ram.” Ancient Warfare Magazine 16, no. 5 (September 2023): 8-13.
- DeCasien, S. “Ancient Naval Ram Casting Project (2021-present).” CMAC News and Reports 6, no. 1, Winter 2023, 4-6.
