Egyptian Boats and Ships

by Steve Vinson

A comprehensive survey of Egyptian nautical archaeology and history from the Predynastic period to the end of the Ptolemaic period is based on the latest findings in nautical archaeology and research. In particular, the book takes advantage of the study of possible or certain Early Dynastic boat remains from Tarkhan and Abydos, the discovery of large Middle Kingdom ship timbers from Lisht and the find of a Persion-period boat near Heliopolis. Beginning with an examination of the physical environment of the Nile Valley, the author surveys the principal chronological divisions of Egyptian history, concentrating as much as possible on actual remains of boats but also using artistic representations and historical sources. A final chapter surveys the place of boats in Egyptian religious beliefs and practices.

Genres: Egyptology, History

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Joe White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might serve as a good index for further research. It mentions many locations and boats, but due to its brevity, most of the mentioned places and boats are not displayed by map, photo, or drawing.
There is little speculation on the intricacies of technique and method of actually using the boats. for instance rowing has not really been tested on any of the Egyptian boats, yet most had oars. Steering looks ungainly on many fixed with an overhead steering oar - so realistic questions such as how practical were the designs depicted aren't addressed in this volume, which is limited to an archeological accounting of actual finds related to given time periods.

[Egypt Steve]

By far the best book on the subject.