The Aegean's Commercial Port

The majority of dockers were slaves, hired out to ship owners on a contractual basis. Smaller merchant vessels unloaded from the stern, whereas larger vessels remained at anchor while their merchandise was transferred onto barges. From the 6th century BC onwards, cranes were used to unload the heaviest commodities,. Pullies though were not used until the 4th century BC. Loose merchandise was removed from the hold by means of a swing beam with the weight attached to one end and a bucket to the other. In four I had to be removed individually, with the assistance of a wooden pole supported at either end.