Ancient Shipbuilding

Ancient shipbuilding involved designing and constructing vessels using materials like wood, fiber, and natural adhesives, tailored to their purpose—whether trading, exploration, or warfare. Builders selected suitable timbers, shaped them with tools, and assembled the hull using techniques such as mortise and tenon joints or pegging. Designs varied with geography and era, from the Egyptian reed boats to Greek triremes and Viking longships, emphasizing buoyancy, stability, and maneuverability. The process required skilled craftsmanship, understanding of seaworthiness, and experience with navigation, enabling civilizations to explore, trade, and connect across vast waters.