The History of the Athenian Navy

The creation of these horse carriers marked the first major innovation in Athenian naval architecture, since Chaimon introduced the fully decked troop carrier 35 years earlier. The sterns of the ships were then refitted with removable sections and walkways, so that one of the ships came to shore. The horses could easily be led, or even ridden out into the beach. Pericles' campaign of retribution must have reaffirmed his position amongst the people. As it was he who was chosen to deliver the wars first funeral oration, what would become known as his famous, and emotional funeral oration over the war dead,. It is recorded in Book 2 of Thucydides' history.