Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cercurus

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CERCU'RUS (κέρκουρος or κερκοῦρος). An open vessel, invented by the Cyprians, propelled by oars, fast in its movement and used for the transport of merchandize, as well as in warfare. (Liv. xxxiii. 19. Lucil. Sat. viii. 3 ed. Gerlach. Plaut. Merc. i. 1. 86. Plin. H. N. vii. 57. Herod. vii. 97.) Its characteristic properties are nowhere described; but Scheffer (Mil. Nav. ii. 2. p. 75.) is of opinion that the oarage, instead of running the whole length of the vessel, only ranged from the prow to about midship, so that the after part would serve as a hold for the freight in the manner represented by the annexed illustration (Cercurus/1.1), copied by Panvinus (de Lud. Circen. ii. 11.) from a bronze medal, which, if that notion be correct, will afford a model of the vessel in question.

• 
  Cercurus/1.1