WHO WERE THE PHOENICIANS, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Imagine a civilization that carved its legacy across the waves of the Eastern Mediterranean, pioneering maritime trade and shaping the very letters you read today! The Phoenicians, thriving around 2500 BC, were incredible seafarers who navigated from the bustling harbors of the Eastern Mediterranean all the way to the Atlantic shores of Spain. Their daring expeditions established colonies in remarkable places like Carthage, Cyprus, and the enchanting landscapes of Sicily and Sardinia. They didn’t just sail; they revolutionized communication, giving birth to what would become the Latin alphabet!
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HIPPOI, THE BOAT WITH HORSEHEAD?
Enter the thrilling world of the Phoenician vessel known as the "Hippoi," which translates to "horse" in Latin. While no boat can be solely dubbed Phoenician, many share their spirit. These agile craft were not your typical cargo ships but sleek and swift shuttle boats, crafted for excitement on the water. Hippoi were famed for their speed, primarily transporting the prized cedar wood between the ancient lands of Egypt and Lebanon. Picture the wind in your hair as these vessels dance across the waves!
WHAT KIND OF BOAT IS BEING BUILT?WHAT KIND OF BOATS ARE BEING MANUFACTURED?
While the original Phoenician craft may have been carved from fragrant cedar wood, our ambitious reconstruction uses spruce as a modern twist. Sourcing cedar is a challenge—it's limited and precious! Yet, we’re tapping into the rich historical data that suggests spruce and f ir were also part of the Phoenician fleet.
Our boat is coming to life using the time-honored dowel-tenon method, which takes precision and passion, as ten skilled sailors will manage the sails like a well-oiled machine!
WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT?
Picture this: the ancient Phoenicians daringly navigating the treacherous Black Sea, landing triumphantly in Samsun while evading Persian invaders. Today, the labyrinthine currents of the Çanakkale and Istanbul straits still mystify modern sailors. How did they accomplish this bold feat without today’s technology? Our team embraces an audacious hypothesis—could it be that ancient sailors harnessed "current sails" to ride the mighty waters? By submerging a sail 30-40 meters down, we aim to test this thrilling idea against the fierce currents of the Black Sea. If we're successful, it could revolutionize our understanding of ancient maritime navigation and unravel the mysteries that have puzzled scholars for centuries! Join us on this exhilarating journey into the depths of history!
