Ep 1. Ancient Super Navies

Ancient Discoveries season 3 episode 1, Ancient Super Navies, explores the impressive naval technology and battles of the ancient world. From ancient Greece to Egypt, viewers will learn about the powerful warships that dominated the seas and the innovative technology that allowed them to be built.

The episode begins by examining the rise of Athens as the dominant naval power in Greece during the 5th century BC. Viewers will learn about the trireme, a powerful warship with three levels of oars that enabled it to move quickly and perform complex maneuvers. Using expert analysis and computer graphics, the show explores how these ships were built and how they were used in the famous Battle of Salamis against the Persian fleet.

The program then shifts its focus to the ancient Egyptians and their development of large warships. The Egyptians were the first people to construct warships on a mass scale, helping them to maintain their dominance along the Nile River and the Mediterranean coast. The episode explores how they did it, highlighting the construction techniques and materials used to build their ships.

The ancient Greek and Egyptian navies were not the only major players on the seas. The episode takes a deeper look at the Phoenicians, who were renowned for their nautical expertise. Viewers will learn how they successfully built large merchant ships that could navigate the treacherous Mediterranean waters. More impressively, the Phoenicians were known to use their ships for war, which they did with great success against the Greeks. The episode explores both the construction techniques and the battle tactics of the Phoenicians.

The episode also examines the advanced technology that allowed for the construction of super-sized warships in ancient times. The episode looks at the influence of Greek and Roman technology on naval architecture and how they were able to incorporate technological advancements to create superior vessels. Ancient Discoveries highlights the advances in shipbuilding that led to the development of giant warships, such as those built by Roman Emperor Caligula.

Despite advances in ancient naval technology, designing vessels that could withstand the harsh realities of warfare was not always possible. The episode discusses the possible design mistakes that led to the sinking of ships and how the development of new weapons led to the creation of stronger, more maneuverable warships.

Ancient Discoveries season 3 episode 1 is a fascinating look at the extraordinary naval technology and battles of the ancient world. By exploring the construction techniques, battle strategies, and technological innovations of ancient navies, viewers will gain a newfound admiration for the masterful engineering of the past.