Patron class Hellenic Trireme: Zeus

The Zeus is the most important Patron ship of any Polis. It is the representation of the father of the Olympian gods at the front of the fleet, and therefore has absolute relevance as a sacred symbol as well as a martial one. The Zeus is the command centre of the Navarch who is also often the highest naval authority of the state.
The Triremes destined to represent the tutelage of Zeus are usually immensely ornate, and their most relevant characteristic is their powerful battering ram, the Might Poseidon of Zeus, whose mass requires the structure of the entire ship to be reinforced and built with the most noble, light and strong materials. It is very common for the Zeus to endow himself with a temple or a sacred altar dedicated to the Father of the Gods in which oracles and augurs often guide the Navarch and advise him during the campaign.

The oarsmen of the Zeus are chosen during the closure ceremony of the Olympian funerals, among the champions of the Poleis that will contribute with the construction of the ship, and who must serve the Trireme for no less than three Olympic cycles (12 years).

The Zeus trireme set includes the ship’s core hull with unique features representing the strength and power of the god. The aftcastle has the design of a traditional Greek temple. The product is completed with a set of Zeus sails and regular trireme sails for those that dare a freehand paint. Finally, the Zeus brings in the Olympian crew stands that are only assigned to these venerable ships.