Think about great seafaring peoples of the ancient world, and who comes to mind? Perhaps the Greeks, whose triremes were key to defeating the mighty Persians? Or the Phoenicians, who sailed the Mediterranean trading in wine, glass, and purple dye? The Egyptians?—not so much. Sure, they had elaborate barges on the Nile, but evidence of sea voyages has been inconclusive. Temple reliefs and inscriptions describe voyages to the Land of Punt, probably somewhere on the East African coast, where the Egyptians acquired exotic woods, ivory, incense, and wild animals. The Egyptians would have sailed down the Red Sea to reach the semi-mythical land. But is there material evidence of these voyages? If they did take place, what were the Egyptian ships like?
Long ago, archaeologists found carvings showing large ships in the temple at Luxor devoted to Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who reigned in the 15th century B.C. The Egyptians were not immune to self-promotion, though, so some scholars doubted that the expeditions to Punt really happened. A recently discovered site near Egypt’s Red Sea coast has settled the question. Archaeologists are exploring a cave complex that was once on a Red Sea harbor, but is now some 700 feet from the water. In the cave, workers have found evidence of shipbuilding and sailing—heavy ships’ planks and coils of papyrus rope that still smell like hay. Broken cups, plates, empty crates, and fish bones provide more evidence of maritime activity. An inscription on one crate refers specifically to Punt.
One researcher took the investigation a step further. He built a replica of an Egyptian ship, using the same materials and methods, and named it Min of the Desert. Although the captain said it looked like “a giant wooden salad bowl,” the ship performed beautifully, braving 10-foot waves easily. We have one more example of the ancient Egyptians’ abilities!
Image credit: © Ivy Close Images / Alamy
Related Links
- Building Pharaoh’s Ship
Watch this PBS video about Min of the Desert, the replica of an Egyptian ship, and its voyage.
(Source: PBS; accessed July 1, 2011) - Archaeologists Discover Ancient Ships in Egypt
Read this story from Boston University for more on what has been found at the site.
(Source: Boston University; accessed July 1, 2011) - Egypt’s Lost Fleet
Read “Egypt’s Lost Fleet” in Discover magazine.
(Source: Discover, June 2011) - Statues of Hatshepsut
View statues of Hatshepsut at this Metropolitan Museum of Art site.
(Source: Metmuseum.org; accessed July 1, 2011) - The King Herself
Learn more about Hatshepsut and the voyages to Punt in this National Geographic article.
(Source: National Geographic, April 2009)
Them ancient Egyptians–what’ll they think of next!
i know right
so that is one cool boat
i didnt read it yet and im so happy we have our current events do friday and i might do this one i dont know bye
epic
so who cares they didnt do any thing for the U.S.
cool! um not ;0
The text is knowingful but I want more details or pics LOL
EGYPT SINKED! OMG KILL ME!
just dont be like that you dont even know how the egypts sinked so next read the bible of genius justin bieber
I HAVE BEEN LEARNING ABOUT THIS IN SCHOOL IT IS VERY INTERESTING.!.
I HAVE BEEN LEARNING ABOUT THIS IN SCHOOL IT IS VERY INTERESTING.!.
THIS IS INTERESTING IM LEARNING MORE BOUT THIS IN SCHOOL
HHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAH LLLOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
wow !. Thiss Isintrestingg Howw Theyy Didd Thatt !
some of you need to learn proper grammer yo.
hi
i like this book mkay
this book is the best book i have read
You guys need a life…
I LOVE BOOKS
Egypt is my favorite country
JESUS IS KING ,,,,
egyptians were black and our lord jesus christ was black too
revelation 1:14 ,daniel 10
ayeeeeeeee