05-14-2007, 05:27 AM
Since this was probably a ship belonging to the Egyptian grain trade, we do have some idea of those freighters. Sizewise we're talking big (ca. 350 tons was the officially preferred size) with exceptions in the huge range (up to 2000 tons), while 12-1300 ton ships were not out of the ordinary.
Apart from the hierarchy, I'm not sure how big their crews were, but they seem to have been small. A big crew was not necessary either, since the rigging was so much simpler than on early modern vessels.
These ships could carry hundreds of passengers, up to 600 people are attested.
Apart from the hierarchy, I'm not sure how big their crews were, but they seem to have been small. A big crew was not necessary either, since the rigging was so much simpler than on early modern vessels.
These ships could carry hundreds of passengers, up to 600 people are attested.
