Ancient Shipbuilding: Prehistoric Roots Revealed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the historical development of shipbuilding, particularly the evidence suggesting that sophisticated ship construction may date back further than previously thought. Participants explore various archaeological findings related to ancient harbors and ship designs, examining their implications for understanding prehistoric maritime technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that ancient shipbuilding could extend back into prehistory, referencing recent archaeological findings from submerged harbors in Israel and Turkey that suggest advanced ship construction 1,500 years ago.
  • Others argue that evidence exists for harbors and ships much older than 2,000 years, citing examples such as ships found near the Gaza Plateau Pyramids, which are at least 5,000 years old.
  • A participant mentions the underwater harbor in Cambay, India, suggesting it was designed for large trading ships and dates back to after the last glacial maximum.
  • Another participant introduces the Phoenicians, claiming they constructed seaworthy ships as long as 7,000 years ago, potentially fitting the criteria for sophisticated hull designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the timeline and complexity of ancient shipbuilding. There is no consensus on the earliest evidence of sophisticated ship designs, with multiple competing perspectives presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various archaeological sites and findings, but the discussion does not resolve the implications of these findings or the definitions of "sophisticated" ship designs. The claims rely on interpretations of archaeological evidence that may vary.

wolram
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This was on tv today, it seems to me that boat building could stretch way back into pre history.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/39810/title/Shipwrecks_harbor_evidence_of_ancient_sophistication

PHILADELPHIA — Surprising insights about ancient shipbuilding have floated to the surface from the submerged remnants of two major harbors, one on Israel’s coast and the other bordering Istanbul, Turkey. Researchers described their finds January 9 at the annual meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America.

Analyses of salvaged crafts indicate that shipbuilders started making sophisticated frames for their vessels by about 1,500 years ago, 500 years earlier than had been suspected, reported Yaakov Kahanov of the University of Haifa in Israel. By a few hundred years later, craft constructors had steadily improved hull designs for a diverse collection of ships, says Cemal Pulak of Texas A&M University in College Station.
 
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wolram said:
This was on tv today, it seems to me that boat building could stretch way back into pre history.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/39810/title/Shipwrecks_harbor_evidence_of_ancient_sophistication

PHILADELPHIA — Surprising insights about ancient shipbuilding have floated to the surface from the submerged remnants of two major harbors, one on Israel’s coast and the other bordering Istanbul, Turkey. Researchers described their finds January 9 at the annual meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America.

Analyses of salvaged crafts indicate that shipbuilders started making sophisticated frames for their vessels by about 1,500 years ago, 500 years earlier than had been suspected, reported Yaakov Kahanov of the University of Haifa in Israel. By a few hundred years later, craft constructors had steadily improved hull designs for a diverse collection of ships, says Cemal Pulak of Texas A&M University in College Station.

Hi wolram,

You may be surprised to find that harbours for large ships have existed long before 2000 years ago. For instance, have you seen the ships buried beside the Gaza Plataeu Pyramids? (these are at least 5000 years old)

http://ashrafegyptguide.com/SolarBoat-2-large-web.jpg

Also, the harbour that was constructed in Cambay India, but is now 120 feet underwater... after the last glacial maximum "meltwater" pulse was designed for large, trading ships. Perhaps I'm mis combobulating what you're saying. Do you mean "really complicated" ship hulls?

(A collection of colossal underwater structures)

http://www.sawse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/33.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
baywax said:
Hi wolram,

You may be surprised to find that harbours for large ships have existed long before 2000 years ago. For instance, have you seen the ships buried beside the Gaza Plataeu Pyramids?

Also, the harbour that was constructed in Cambay India, but is now 120 feet underwater... after the last glacial maximum "meltwater" pulse was designed for large, trading ships. Perhaps I'm mis combobulating what you're saying. Do you mean "really complicated" ship hulls?

Well let's say more than a dug out, the Cambay India thing sounds interesting, i will enjoy looking that up, thanks.
 
wolram said:
Well let's say more than a dug out, the Cambay India thing sounds interesting, i will enjoy looking that up, thanks.

We cannot rule out the Phoenicians who built sea worthy ships as long ago as 7000 years bp. If you look at some of their designs these might fit your criteria for a "sophisticated" hull.

Check this out...

http://www.phoenicia.org.uk/discovering-theship.htm