In 37 AD. BC, Caligula ordered the construction of two majestic ships on Lake Nemi, 30 kilometers south of Rome. Moored on the banks of the lake, they were not intended for navigation. It is believed that they served as places of entertainment for the use of the emperor and his court, but also as a showcase of the wealth and power of Caligula, who could thus rival the great Greek monarchs of the past.
Both ships were also ceremonial sites to the goddess Diana, who received local worship near the lake.
However, it is possible that these ships served a religious function. On the southern shore of the lake stretched a sacred grove and an important sanctuary dedicated to the worship of a local form of the goddess Diana, called "Nemorensis". The lake itself was named "Speculum Dianae", or "mirror of Diana". The ships probably served as places of worship for this goddess, as well as the Egyptian deity Isis, for whom Caligula had great sympathy. He dedicated a temple to her on the larger of the two boats.
According to Suetonius, ships were stripped of all their wealth before being sunk in the lake on the orders of Claudius, Caligula's successor. Between 1927 and 1929, we managed to get the two armatures out of the water, still in excellent condition. But the museum in which they were kept was unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War.
Characteristics of the two boats
■ One was 75 meters long and 29 wide; the other was 71 meters long by 25 wide.
■ The bridge was built on two levels and presented the appearance of a large pleasure villa.
■ The keel was constructed of wood of cypress, pine and larch. She was waterproofed with bitumen.
■ On the stern were built rooms luxuriously decorated and equipped with heating.