03-13-2009, 03:53 PM
Quote:If it could take less than a month to row across the Atlantic, then most likely a Roman ship with over a hundred rowers could make it in reasonable time.
Merchant ships were not rowed, only military galleys. While amphorae would certainly be used to carry provisions on a galley, what they are describing in this case sounds a lot more like a large cargo of jars. So big fat sailing ship. I think the general consensus is that galleys were indeed not really fit for the open Atlantic. Even Mediterranean storms used to sink them by the dozens or hundreds!
Interesting tidbit about the travelling hulks!
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
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Legio XX, USA
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