The Dung Boats of Memphis (2nd-3rd Centuries CE)

The pi lambda omicron iota omicron nu kappa omicron pi rho eta gamma omicron nu was a specific kind of boat that was dedicated to the conveyance of manure. It is evidenced in Memphis only by two Roman papyri. It seems that there were several kinds of such boats, operating on various scales and revealing various architectural features. The conveyance of dung may imply elites who were interested in a lucrative agriculture.