Histories

They make these in Armenia (region (general)), AsiaArmenia, higher up the stream than Assyria. First they cut frames of willow, then they stretch hides over these for a covering, making as it were a hold; they neither broaden the stern nor narrow the prow, but the boat is round, like a shield. They then fill it with reeds and send it floating down the river with a cargo; and it is for the most part palm wood casks of wine that they carry down.

Two men standing upright steer the boat, each with a paddle, one drawing it to him, the other thrusting it from him. These boats are of all sizes, some small, some very large; the largest of them are of as much as five thousand talents[*](The Attic talent = about 58 lbs. avoirdupois; the Aeginetan = about 82.) burden. There is a live ass in each boat, or more than one in the larger.