SHIPS

By: Cristóbal Cantero 1ºBachB

Maritime history is the study of human activity at sea. It covers a broad thematic element of history that often uses a global approach, although national and regional histories remain predominant. As an academic subject, it often crosses the boundaries of standard disciplines, focusing on understanding humankind's various relationships to the oceans, seas, and major waterways of the globe. Nautical history records and interprets past events involving ships, shipping, navigation, and seafarers.

MARITIME HISTORY

THE EVOLUTION OF SHIPS In ancient marine times, people

used rafts, logs of bamboo, bundles of reeds, air filled animal skins and asphalt covered baskets to traverse small water bodies. To be precise, the first boat was a simple frame of sticks lashed together and covered expertly with sewn hides. These boats could carry large and heavy loads easily. An ancient boat was the dugout which is a log that is hollowed out and pointed at the ends. Here is a brief attempt to traverse lightly over the history of ships and how they evolved to what they are now.

THE EVOLUTION OF SHIPS Ships continued to develop as

overseas trade became increasingly more important. By late 1100’s a straight stern post was added to ships to facilitate the hanging rudder. This aspect improved greatly the handling characteristics of a ship. The rudder permitted larger ships to be designed. It also allowed for ships with increasingly higher free boards to be built.

As years passed, in order to avoid risk of water damage, cargo was transported in large gallon barrels called tuns. The crew could now sleep on big leather bags on deck; the passenger space was termed “steerage” and this term is still in use today to refer to passenger accommodation of minimal facilities.

Evolution of ships from 1600s

THE USAGE OF POLES & INVENTION OF OAR

Ancient marine history makes for quite an interesting study of the strength and survival instincts of humanity at large. For instance, in ancient times, the simple oar was not in use. Instead people used their hands to paddle along in their tiny boats. They moved rafts by pushing poles against the bottom of the rivers. Slowly, using creative instincts and ingenuity, man learnt to redesign the poles by flattening them and widening it at one end, and thus the paddle was designed to be used in deeper waters. Later on, it was again ingeniously transformed to become the oar-a-paddle that is fixed on the sides of boats.

INVENTION OF SAILSThe invention of the sail

was the greatest turning point in maritime history. The sails replaced the action of human muscles and sail boats could embark on longer trips with heavier loads. Earlier vessels used square sails that were best suited for sailing down wind. Fore and aft sails were devised later.

PHOENICIANS & THEIR CONTRIBUTION

History of ships is never complete without mentioning the Phoenicians. They deserve special mention since it is highly probable that they were the pioneers of the wooden sailing vessels that were to sail the high seas centuries later. The Phoenicians fashioned out galleys from the earlier dugouts with sails and oars providing power. As the galleys grew larger, according to specifications and requirements, rowers were arranged at two levels.

These were called the biremes by the Greeks and Romans. They also built triremes that are galleys with three banks of oars.

PARTS OF A SHIP

Sail Ship

PetroliumShip

CLOSE FUTURE

SHIPS IN THE FUTURE

“CLOUD SHIP”

Cloud ShipsThe sails of this ship are made of Steel

TYPES OF SHIPS

CRUISE CONTAINER SHIP

FISHING SHIP

SAILLING SHIPFLATTOP

World`s Biggest Ship

How its Made - Oil Tanker Ships

Prehistoric Craf

The Unique Tradition of Ship Burial & the Sutton Hoo Ship Buria

SOME INTERESTING VIDEOS & LINKS