Cargoes Aweigh

"A MAHAILA OF THE INLAND WATER TRANSPORT." c. 1920. From A Dweller in Mesopotamia, by Donald Maxwell.

The backbone of river transport, mahailas carried cargoes between river ports along the entire navigable extent of the Mesopotamian river (and canal) system. Sailing craft like these have underpinned Mesopotamian commerce for millennia, as explained by Guillermo Algaze in his brilliant Ancient Mesopotamia at the Dawn of Civilization. We are honored by his generous donation and endorsement!