1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

How far did ancient ships travel? Ancient ships travelled some remarkable distances. About 1500 BC, trading ships were sent from Egypt to the land of 'Punt' (modern Somalia), a distance of some 2,485 miles (4,000 km). From 1000 BC, the Phoenicians sailed from the Mediterranean to Britain to trade for tin. In the 9th century BC, Vikings from Scandinavia sailed across the Atlantic, via Iceland, to Greenland and North America in their longships. They also travelled north-eastward to Russia. Viking longships were 20 metres or more long and had 15 to 35 rowers on each side.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Ships