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Trade and Ships
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Trade was very important to the Roman empire. Big cities like Rome had to import large amounts of food from all over the empire. Luxury goods came from further away. Silk came on camel caravans from China. Ships brought spices, jewels and perfumes from India. Transporting goods on land was expensive, so most trade went by sea. Roman merchant ships were strong and seaworthy but very slow. Sailing was dangerous and ships stayed in port from November to March to avoid winter storms.
(A) BARGE
Flat-bottomed barges were used to transport goods on rivers to seaports.
(B) SAILS
Roman merchant ships were driven by a single large square sail. A smaller sail at the front was used to help steer the ship.
(C) LIGHTHOUSE
These were built at the entrances of important harbours. Fires were kept burning at the top.
(D) CORBITA
These were the most common type of merchant ships. They were slow and difficult to manoeuvre.
(E) GOOSE HEAD
Ships often had a carved goose's head, the symbol of Isis - a goddess who protected sailors.
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Book:
The Romans
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Section:
The Romans
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Chapter:
Trade and Ships
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