ASK Balkans: Watercraft

After focusing on a relatively serious topic for last week's blog post (economics of the Balkans regions and associated statistics), I've very selfishly (as a ridiculously addicted whitewater kayaker) decided to discuss a more exciting topic, that of maritime history and a brief overview of some historical as well as modern watercraft.

Ancient Craft

First record of use of boats was in 5000 BC off the coast of modern Kuwait; however, earliest boats likely closer to 45,000 BC to explain habitation patterns off of the coast of Australia.
Dhow’s

- “Age of Navigation” – originated in China (600BC – 600AD) – came to be common along the coast of india and in the middle east

Junk’s

- originated in China during the 2^nd century AD

i. Built to move cargo, long-distance trade

ii. Employed extensively in the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties in China

iii. Typically employed the use of several sails of various sizes.

iv. Top heavy, prone to capsize due to weight of masts

Viking Ships

Used for early exploration of north america
Used for trade in northern europe, especially scandinavia

Caravel’s

Common in the Mediterranean and NW india starting in the 13^th century
Use of lateen sails (triangular)
Lightweight vessels
High length(bow to stern) to beam width ratio
Christopher Columbus came over in a fleet of these (ships with lengths 15-20 m. SO TINY!)