Ep 4. Super Ships

Super Ships is the fourth episode of the second season of the popular historical documentary series Ancient Discoveries. This episode explores the fascinating history of engineering and design in ancient naval vessels, recounting the technological advancements that allowed the ancient world to create some of the most impressive ships in human history.

The episode begins with a discussion of the earliest known seafaring cultures, such as the Minoans of Crete and the Phoenicians of the Mediterranean. These cultures depended heavily on their ships and maritime trade, and as a result they worked tirelessly to improve their shipbuilding techniques. The episode looks at the design of these early ships, examining the materials used to construct them, how they were navigated, and how they evolved over time.

As the episode progresses, it delves deeper into the impressive engineering feats of ancient civilizations, such as the ancient Greeks and Romans. These cultures were known for their advanced knowledge of mechanics, and many of their inventions and innovations were used to improve the capabilities of their ships. One particularly impressive example is the ancient Greek trireme, a warship that was powered by three banks of oars and could reach remarkable speeds. The episode explores the intricate design of the trireme, looking at how its rowers were trained and how the ship was navigated in battle.

The episode also looks at the contribution made by ancient Chinese naval engineering. The same time frame saw great interest to the concept of armoured ships in the Asian theatre of war, with important classes of armoured junks being the flagship of the mid-17th century fleet. The show analyzes the manufacturing techniques and materials used to design these vessels.

The later half of the episode traces the history of European naval engineering, from the medieval period through the Renaissance and beyond. Medieval Europe was characterized by the use of Viking longboats and other simple, maneuverable ships designed for raiding. However, as civilization advanced, so too did its ships. By the Renaissance, European shipbuilders had developed massive sailing vessels, some of which were capable of carrying hundreds of guns and more than a thousand sailors.

One of the most fascinating moments in the show is the explanation of how ships were navigated in earlier times. The show explains how early voyages took place in conditions where one couldn't communicate with anyone but onboard crew, as there were no wireless communication systems. Navigational aids of the day were restricted to celestial observations and landmarks.

Overall, Super Ships is a captivating and informative exploration of ancient naval engineering and design. The episode is filled with stunning visuals and fascinating historical anecdotes, and viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the creativity and ingenuity of our ancient ancestors. As with other installments of Ancient Discoveries, Super Ships is a must-see for anyone interested in history, engineering, and technology.