Transport by water was also important to the Romans.

They built large merchant ships

called cortia, which could carry up to 1,000 tons of cargo.

Roman ships had a single main mast, which carried a rectangular sail, although some ships
also had small sails at the bow and stern. Roman ships did not have rudders. Instead they
were steered by oars. The Romans also built lighthouses to aid shipping.

11th and 12th Century (BOTH)

▪ Compass - first used by Chinese sailors around 1100 A.D., the compass made
navigating ships and traveling long distances much more reliable and safe.

▪ By 12th century, Romans learned how to use it

14th Century (BOTH)

The Caravel: This type of sailing ship was used by Spanish and Portuguese explorers and
traders during their voyages of discovery. From Columbus’s first voyage in 1492, the
caravel was popular due to its speed. Caravels have also been used for fishing and war.

15th Century (BOTH)

Circumnavigation: As better ships and maps were developed, European explorers

embarked on longer voyages. The first known expedition to successfully sail around the
world was led by Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1522). Magellan set out on his journey with five
ships but only ship returned to Spain; Magellan himself died in a battle during the voyage.

1663
The first turnpike roads open. Turnpikes are privately owned and maintained but you have
to pay to use them. Their name comes from an old word for a gate, pike. In towns the
wealthy are carried by sedan chairs.

17th - 18th Century (PPT)

In the early 18th century goods were often transported by pack

horse. Moving heavy goods was very expensive. However in 1759 the Duke of Bridgewater
decided to build a canal to bring coal from his estate at Worsley to Manchester. He
employed an engineer called James Brindley. When it was completed the Bridgewater canal
halved the price of coal in Manchester. Many more canals were dug in the late 18th century
and the early 19th century. They played a major role in the industrial

★The Romans are famous for the network of roads they built across the Empire. Roman
legionaries built them so the Roman army could march from one part of the empire to another
quickly. Rich people traveled by horse or on long journeys by covered wagon.