Discovery Channel - Ancient Greek Ships

The Greeks have been sailing for 10,000 years and have one of the strongest maritime traditions in the world. Archaeological finds - combined with pottery, art and poems of the period - have led experts to believe that the ancient Greeks used oared ships with large crews, as well as sailing boats of differing designs. A fresco uncovered on the Greek island of Santorini, in the excavated town of Ancient Akrotiri, depicts the variety of ships used by the Minoan civilisation 3,500 years ago. These include trading and working ships, while other more ornate barges carry a small number of important passengers.