Two men were debating who were the earliest sailors to circumnavigate Africa, The Phoenicians claimed one, no the Indians insisted the other. The man routing for the Phoenicians was so sure he was right he decided to prove it by building a replica ship and re-trace the journey he believed the Phoenicians had sailed in 600 BC. This extraordinary tale began in 2008 in Syria. Two years and 20,000 miles at sea he has proven his point.
The Phoenicia is currently in St Katherine's Docks where you can go on board and take a look around.
You can try your hand at the wooden rudders, unusually there are two of them. Find out why. And what do you suppose these clay pots are for? Wine and oil. Those odd shaped bottoms are to keep them stable in the bow of the ship. It is a fascinating tale and really worth the trip on board to hear about their adventure.
It is only there until the end of the week and then they are off to America for another adventure.
View their route and find out more about the journey here.
8 comments:
Indeed I think it is Herodotus who mentions the ship sailing from the Levant the long way around Africa. The amphora at the bottom of the boat would hols all sorts of stuff. What a great ship and very well pictured I must say.
This is an amazing tale.
Very cool! Do you know where in the states they'll be?
Love your new layout Mo! It looks very neat. What a pity this is going tomorrow - I am off next week and would have had time to explore it.
Very interesting story! And an absolutely gorgeous picture...I had to embiggen it to get the full effect - fantastic reflections!
Did he prove any more than that his 2008 ship made it?
great adventure :)
What a story! And a gorgeous ship and capture to boot. :)
Post a Comment