Medieval ships were the vessels used in Europe during the Middle Ages. Like ships from antiquity, they were moved by sails, oars, or a combination of the two. There was a large variety, mostly based on much older, conservative designs.

At the end of the Middle Ages, more and more imposing junks appeared, with the aim of trading with neighboring countries of China. In the 12th century, the junks called “steamships of silk”, and the first treasure-ship, have five or six masts including two mizzens mounted in …

From traditional caravels to warships, we will cover the many ship types and classes that existed during this era, allowing you to gain a better understanding of the vessels used by our ancestors. So, let’s dive into the list of medieval ship types!

Medieval ships, intricate masterpieces of their era, boasted a blend of functionality and artistry. As these vessels bridged continents and cultures, their features evolved to cater to diverse maritime challenges, from raging storms to stealthy coastal raids.

Jun 24, 2021 · Within the Mediterranean area during the Medieval times ships were used for a multitude of reasons, like war, trade, and exploration. Early Middle Ages. The knarr, a relative of the longship, was a type of cargo vessel used by the Vikings.

Use this guide to find records relating to English maritime personnel, ships (primarily those in service to the Crown for war) and naval administration from the late 12th to the early 16th...

Jan 10, 2025 · In the early Middle Ages, the best ships in northern waters were Viking ships. Their iconic longboats terrorised the seas but, of course, the Vikings, also engaged in extensive sea trade. Longboats were fine for carrying raiders, but when it came to transporting goods, they weren’t ideal. Instead, the Vikings used shorter, deeper, wider boats ...

Galleys had been in use for trade and warfare since at least the 8th century BC and remained in use throughout the Middle Ages. Rowing was the primary method of propulsion, which was well-suited for often fickle winds of the Mediterranean, where they were primarily used.

Sep 13, 2024 · Medieval ships varied widely in design, size, and function, from swift longships used by the Vikings for raids and exploration to larger cargo vessels like cogs and carracks that dominated trade during the late Middle Ages. Understanding these types of ships provides insight into the maritime capabilities of the societies that built them and ...

In the Middle Ages ships sailed from Venice, Genoa and Pisa bound for Acre. Their merchant passengers were engaged in the Levantine trade of pepper, sugar and silks that had come overland from the Orient.