Ancient shipbuilding techniques

Ancient shipbuilding techniques involved using locally available materials, primarily wood, to construct vessels. Craftsmen employed methods like tree trunk hollowing for canoes and plank-building for larger ships. They joined frames using wooden pegs, ropes, or iron nails and applied pitch or tar for waterproofing. Designs varied by culture, reflecting their needs, from simple fishing boats to grand triremes for warfare. Empowered by practical knowledge passed through generations, these techniques laid the foundation for maritime trade and exploration, showcasing ingenuity and craftsmanship essential for ancient civilizations' economic and cultural exchange.