This illustration shows a wall-painting from the Temple of Isis in Pompeii. The scene is probably of a mimic fight in the arena, rather than actual warfare. The scenery is sketchy and of the type Pompeian decorators used to fill in backgrounds. Two large ships filled with armed men are passing each other at full speed. The spears of the men on board show that this is a manuevre during a fight. The ship at left is running before the wind with its square sail set, using the oars to increase its speed. It has a beaked prow - with a ram. The ship at right has its mast lowered as it is running toward the wind. The high poop, with two steering paddles projecting behind, and the panelled gunwales are well shown.The book dates to 1895.