Key Concept 2.3
Transportations of
The Ancient World
WHAP/5th period
Jalen Smith, Vanessa Chavez,
Jessica Torres
Domesticated Horses in Ancient
Rome
● Pastoralists were the first to domesticate horses for
their own benefit.
● Horses were used primarily for riding, racing, and
warfare and not as pack animals.
● There are various breeds known from different parts
of the empire referring to Libyan Horses.
● Some breeds were more situated to warfare and
other breeds contributed to trade for long and steep
routes.
Benefits of Horses
● Roman roads enabled the Romans to move
armies, trade goods and to communicate.
● Using the horses led to trade being more
useful and easier to travel on horses.
● Harnesses being carried by the horses
allowed it for the carrying of more items
across longer distances than it would be by
foot and hand.
The Ancient Saddle
- A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load,
fastened to an animal’s back by girth.
- The first saddle was probably a blanket attached by some
form of surcingle used by Assyrian cavalry around 700 BC.
- In ancient times, a saddle represented a status symbol. They
showed a person’s wealth and power.
- The saddle included a breast strap and cruppers fr control
over the animal.
- A saddle was essential for a domesticated animal during
warfare.
Development to Modern
Day Saddles
- Embellishments were later added to saddles. Such as,
gold, leather, horn, etc.
- Different designs of this equipment were created that led
to the development of the English and Western saddle.
- A stirrup, which provides support and leverage to the
riders feet, was added. This increased the riders control of
the animal while mounted on top.
- The saddles used today, with the contribution of the
ancient saddle designs, they are more equipped and
fastened on the domesticated animal.
Dhow Ships
● Dhow Ships are claimed to be created by Arabs and
Indians, but Chinese people are also credited for
inventing them.
● These were wooden built sail ships used for trade.
● They were the most prominent among vessels sailing
between India and China because they were designed
to better handle the unpredictable weather conditions
like winds,and the water itself.
● Dhow Ships were very maneuverable , they were able
to sail the Red Sea and were good for Pirates.
Trading with Dhow Ships
● Dhow ships were built with 2 lanteen(triangular) sails ,
planks and the fronts jutted outward, which was different
than any other European Ship making it unique.
● Dhow ships were able to carry large Chinese junks
1,000 tons of carrying capacity.
● Arabians would trade spices and incense, the Chinese
would trade silk throughout the Indian Ocean and many
seas.
Citation
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Hall,Kenneth. “ships and shipbuilding in medieval Asia and the Pacific. In Crabtree, Pam J.
Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in Medieval World. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2008. Ancient
and Medieval His tory Online, Facts On File, Inc.
David, Rosalie. "horses and chariots in ancient Egypt." Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt, Revised
Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File, Inc.
http://www.fofweb.com.gatekeeper.chipublib.org/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE49
Blackwell, Amy Hackney. "ships and shipbuilding in the medieval Islamic World." In Crabtree, Pam J.
Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Medieval World. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008.
Ancient and Medieval History Online, Facts On File, Inc.
http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE49
http://www1.hollins.edu/faculty/saloweyca/horse/m_tack.htm