07-25-2010, 05:33 AM
Quote:By the way, Craig. Ships were "that big." Some of them were gigantic. British vessels were deep-draught and carrying big loads, enabling Riothamus to make reasonably expedient troop movements. Even early in the Iron Age, trans-channel vessels and trading ships from the Med were big enough to carry livestock. On the other hand, Saxon keels were smaller. :lol:
I meant that most ships of the time didn't have the capability of carrying more than say 10-15 horses at a time with nothing else in the hold. Getting enough ships to make a crossing of the channel and fielding a sizable army would be a nightmare. William must have been a wreck during the weeks of preparation. There would be specialized larger ships available but not at a whim. Reliance on native (or pseudo-native) breeds would be more likely. I would bet that the Saxon keel or something similar was more common as the draft enables one to beach without a harbor thus increasing mobility. Do you know what types of Roman ships would be used around this time? I am the first to admit Roman Naval stuff is not a huge strength. All I know for a fact is... "There wasn't a reverse D-Day moment like in the new Robin Hood movie." Boats could carry smaller cavalry contingents but that wouldn't be for pitched battles so much as raiding or patrolling.
Craig Bellofatto
Going to college for Massage Therapy. So reading alot of Latin Terminology
It is like a finger pointing to the moon. DON\'T concentrate on the finger or you miss all the heavenly glory before you!-Bruce Lee
Train easy; the fight is hard. Train hard; the fight is easy.- Thai Proverb
Going to college for Massage Therapy. So reading alot of Latin Terminology
It is like a finger pointing to the moon. DON\'T concentrate on the finger or you miss all the heavenly glory before you!-Bruce Lee
Train easy; the fight is hard. Train hard; the fight is easy.- Thai Proverb
