Ancient Discoveries Season 3 Episode 4 Ancient Chinese Super Ships

In season 3 episode 4 of Ancient Discoveries, viewers are taken back in time to Ancient China to explore the incredible technology behind the country's super ships. These colossal vessels were capable of transporting hundreds of soldiers and their equipment across vast distances, even in choppy seas.

The episode delves into the techniques that master boat builders used to create these vessels, which were longer and wider than anything else at the time. One of the key methods used was 'sewing' the wooden planks together, which was done by drilling holes in each plank and then lacing them together with fibers made from animal hair or silk. This technique not only created very durable boats but also helped to make them watertight.

Another ingenious technique was the use of watertight compartments. These were areas within the ship that have individual walls, effectively meaning that if one section of the ship were to take on water, it would only affect the section where the leak was rather than the entire vessel – dramatically reducing the risk of sinking.

But perhaps the most impressive feature of these super ships was their propulsion system. Each ship had anywhere from 2 to 16 sails made from high-quality silk. The use of silk was an innovative choice given that it is a very lightweight yet strong material, perfect for use in large sails that needed to catch the wind. These sails could be adjusted depending on the direction of the wind or weather conditions, making them highly adaptable to changing circumstances.

Finally, the episode explores the role these super ships played in Ancient Chinese warfare. Thanks to their impressive size, they could be used to carry hundreds of soldiers who could then be deployed onto the shore by way of gangplanks. They could also be lined with shields, offering protection from enemy fire.

All in all, the Ancient Chinese Super Ships were an impressive feat of engineering that helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in shipbuilding technology. This episode is a fascinating look at the design, construction, and use of these incredible vessels, and offers an in-depth look at the ingenious methods used by Ancient Chinese boat builders.