Implicit within the archaeological study of warships and rams is a hierarchy of evidence in the formation of hypotheses. Once archaeologically-based hypotheses are formed, it is possible to then create a dialogue with those based on historical and iconographic evidence. The nature of the material culture and its assessment by archaeologists can address questions different from those dealt with by historians. Direct examination of ancient hull timbers provides a unique analytical perspective for maritime archaeologists. Moreover, the first-hand interaction with ancient wrecksites also provides distinctive knowledge concerning the utilization of, and depositional environments for, ancient vessels. The study and expertise of the archaeologist, and particularly maritime archaeologists, includes the methods of construction, types of material, and performance characteristics associated with ancient sea-going vessels. Rather it is compulsory upon archaeologists to assess the material culture associated with ancient warships, from which separate hypotheses will emerge. The objective of ancient warship study through archaeological evidence is not to test hypotheses based on written and iconographic evidence developed by historians.
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