A Roman merchant ship carved into the side of an altar dedicated by the prefect of the grain supply of Rome (Annona), Aurelius Avianus.
The dedicatory inscription on the front of the altar is dated to 337-350 CE; An inscription on the side has been dated to 284 CE. Thus the relief of the transport ship was carved sometime between the late 3rd to mid fourth century. Amphorae with their handles are clearly visible poking up out of the hold of the ship.
The altar was found in the neighborhood of S. Maria in Capella along the Tiber River.
Museo Nazionale (Palazzo Massimo), Rome.
RBU 2014.4928