The Divine Majesty of the Ancient Gigantic Ships
Published: 17 July 2024
The Large Ships of Antiquity
Throughout history, there have been skeptics who scoff at biblical accounts and question their validity. One such account that has faced intense scrutiny is the story of Noah's Ark. Many claim that it would have been impossible to build a wooden ship as large as Noah's Ark, even with modern technology. However, when we look at the ships built by ancient civilizations, we see that they were capable of constructing vessels that were almost as large as the Ark. Let's explore some of these ancient ships and consider their significance.
Rise in Technology of the Ancients
Contrary to popular belief, ancient civilizations made significant advancements in shipbuilding technology over a relatively short period of time. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author from the first century, provides a table documenting these advancements. This table spans from the seventh century to the end of the third century and reveals a rapid rise in shipbuilding technology.
For example, while many people envision small warships from antiquity, Hollywood depictions often contribute to this misconception. In reality, ancient ships became increasingly larger and more sophisticated. Pliny's table shows that ships with up to forty tiers of oars (forty levels of rowers) were built. This demonstrates that ancient shipbuilders had the capacity to construct much larger vessels than commonly believed.
The Leontifera: A Massive Warship
One detailed account comes from a naval battle in the Aegean Sea in 280 BC. Ussher describes a ship called the Leontifera, which had eight tiers of oars and was admired for its large size and exquisite construction. This warship had 100 oars per tier, totaling 1,600 rowers. Additionally, it had 1,200 fighting men on the upper deck or hatches.
While we don't have the exact dimensions of the Leontifera, we can estimate its size based on the spacing between rowers. If each rower had at least three feet of space, similar to the distance between airline seats, this ship could have been 400-500 feet long. Considering the crew size and the need for provisions, it is evident that ancient ships were capable of accommodating large numbers of people for extended periods.
Other Large Ships
Plutarch briefly mentions a fleet built by Demetrius around 294 BC. Although he doesn't provide specific dimensions, he states that these were the largest ships built at that time. They had fifteen or sixteen banks of oars, a remarkable feat considering no one had seen such large ships before.
Another notable ancient warship was built by Ptolemy Philopator around 244-205 BC. Athenaeus provides a detailed description of this ship, which was 420 feet long, 57 feet wide, and 72 feet high to the top of its gunwale. It had forty tiers of oars and carried a crew of 7,250 men.
These examples demonstrate that ancient civilizations were capable of constructing massive ships that rivaled the size of Noah's Ark. These vessels surpassed the dimensions commonly associated with ancient shipbuilding and highlight the advanced technology and engineering skills of the time.
Why This Matters
The existence of large ships in antiquity challenges the notion that Noah's Ark was an impossible feat. It shows that ancient civilizations possessed the knowledge and skills to construct enormous wooden vessels. By understanding the capabilities of ancient shipbuilders, we can better appreciate the plausibility of Noah's Ark.
Think About It
- How does the discovery of large ancient ships influence your perception of biblical accounts?
- What does the construction of massive ships in antiquity tell us about the technological advancements of ancient civilizations?
- Consider the logistical challenges faced by these large ships in terms of crew size and provisions. How does this relate to the biblical account of Noah's Ark?
- Reflect on the misconceptions perpetuated by popular media and the importance of critically examining historical narratives.
Table: Ships of Antiquity
| Vessel | Inventor | Authority | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-banked galley | The Erythraeans | Damastes | 7th C. |
| Trireme (three banks of oars) | Aminocles of Corinth | Thucydides | 6th C. |
| Quadrireme (four banks) | The Carthaginians | Aristotle | 5th C. |
| Quinquereme (five) | The Salaminians | Mnesigiton | 4th C. |
| Galleys with six banks of oars | The Syracusans | Xenagoras | 4th C. |
| Up to ten banks | Alexander the Great | Mnesigiton | 4th C. |
| Up to twelve banks | Ptolemy Soter | Philostephanus | 3rd C. |
| Up to fifteen banks | Demetrius, son of Antigonus | Philostephanus | 3rd C. |
| Up to thirty banks | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Philostephanus | 3rd C. |
| Up to forty banks | Ptolemy Philopator, surname Tryphon | Philostephanus | 3rd C. |
Note: The table above provides an overview of the progression in shipbuilding technology during ancient times.
In conclusion, the existence of large ships in antiquity challenges the notion that Noah's Ark was an impossible endeavor. Ancient civilizations possessed the knowledge and capabilities to construct massive wooden vessels comparable in size to the Ark. These impressive feats of shipbuilding highlight the advanced technology and engineering skills of ancient societies. By examining these historical accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the plausibility of biblical narratives and appreciate the ingenuity of our ancestors.
