Arabian, Polynesian, and European Ship Technologies

This ship, known as a Dhow, is an ages old Arabian commerce ship. Thousands are still at port in the Arabic world and used in similar fashions. This helped the Islamic world take over trade before many others.

This map shows the routes which Dhow ships made possible, as well as routes that Zheng He took on his voyages. Chinese ships in this fleet numbering in the hundreds were massive and sturdy. 

To demonstrate the enormity of the ships, notice the size of Zheng He's ship in comparison with the Mayflower. Each ship was equipped with diplomats, scholars, soldiers, and all the other necessary parts of a sea-fairing vessel.

Here we see the Mayflower on it's own, looking much more magnificent without a looming leviathan. The most common ships in Europe, however, were quite unlike the three most famous of them. The Mayflower was the Zheng He of Europe.

This is a cog. The lamest of all ships in the world. Able to transport some basic supplies, these ships are why Europe had a late entrance onto oceanic trade. It was not until after the dismantlement of Zheng He's fleet that any European fleet could somewhat match them, being the Spanish Armada. 

Another example of nautical voyages, we see the area that the Spanish had under their watery thumb. Although it did not last, it was the greatest pre-industrial military fleet. When it comes to area covered, the Spanish aren't top dog, neither are the Chinese.

The greatest feat of human expansion until reaching the moon is represented in Polynesia, showing the creative problem solving of insane colonization. It is postulated that these island hoppers may have even landed in the Central American region, but unlikely.

These canoes, used by polynesians, were the greatest maritime vessel until Zheng He's cruisers patrolled the Indian Ocean. These canoes were more practical, however, and helped the Polynesians travel further and further with each island.

The Spanish Armada is the first attempt post-He to be the largest fleet. The pod of ships was the force behind all Spanish occupation and colonization until the 1550s. Until the British Fleet came into existence.

The ultimate ship technology of humanity is Noah's Ark, the plans sent to him through divination. This great man has saved the world, and we are eternally grateful.

God bless you, Noah.

                      

http://www.photosbymartin.com/images/pcd0366/dhow-sunset-65.3.jpg
Briggs, Philip. "Dhows of the swahili coast". Zanzibar Travel Guide
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