Phoenician cargo and trading ships of this design are known from the tomb of Sargon of Nineveh, c.700 B.C. where such ships were depicted loading cedar logs. These symmetrical, 'round', oared, sailing ships had high stem and stern posts upon which were carved horse heads. This ship appears to have a hogging truss which indicates an early design. Round trading ships had advantages for the transport of bulk goods. The use of horse symbolism by the Phoenicians on these trading ships is not as odd as it might appear. The Greek God Poseidon, who realm was the Ocean, was intimately associated with horses. His great chariot steeds with brazen hoofs and golden manes were kept in his palace under the sea. More importantly, Poseidon bestowed the horse upon mankind as his offering in a contest with Athena as to who should give mankind the most useful gift. Poseidon bestowed upon man the art of managing horses by the bridle and he was also the protector of horse races. He was often depicted riding on horseback, or in a chariot drawn by two or four great stallions. Poseidon metamorphosed himself into a horse in order to deceive Demeter. Although these are Greek myths, early Greek myth drew upon the earlier mythologies of the Mediterranean world as well as their own Ionic and Dorian heritage.

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