When did sailing replace rowing in ancient ships?
The use of sails for propulsion on ancient ships predated the use of oars. The earliest known depiction of a sailing ship is found on a pottery shard from the Minoan civilization, dating back to around 3600 BC. The shard shows a ship with a single mast and a sail made of animal hide.
Oars were used for propulsion on early boats, but they were gradually replaced by sails, which offered a number of advantages. Sails could be used to harness the power of the wind, which was a more efficient and less labor-intensive way to propel a ship. Sails also allowed ships to travel further distances and at a faster pace.
The use of sails for propulsion became widespread in ancient times. The Greeks and Romans were among the first civilizations to use sails extensively. The Greeks developed the trireme, a type of warship that was powered by both sails and oars. The Romans developed the quinquereme, a type of warship that was powered by five banks of oars.
In the Middle Ages, the use of sails for propulsion became even more common. The Vikings were among the most skilled sailors of the Middle Ages. They used sailing ships to raid and explore distant lands. The Chinese also made significant advances in shipbuilding during the Middle Ages. They developed the junk, a type of sailing ship that was used for trade and exploration.
By the 15th century, sailing ships had become the dominant form of propulsion for ocean-going vessels. Oars were still used for propulsion on small boats, but for large ships, sails were the more efficient and practical way to travel.
Related Questions:
- When did the first sailing ships appear?
- Around 3600 BC
- Who were among the first civilizations to use sails extensively?
- The Greeks and Romans
- What type of warship was used by the Greeks and powered by both sails and oars?
- Trireme
- What type of sailing ship was developed by the Chinese during the Middle Ages?
- Junk
- By what century had sailing ships become the dominant form of propulsion for ocean-going vessels?
- 15th century
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