In this article , we will provide an in-depth look at the different types and classes of ships used throughout the medieval period. From traditional caravels to warships, we will cover the many ship types and classes that existed during this era, allowing you to gain a better understanding of the vessels used by our ancestors.
So, let’s dive into the list of medieval ship types!
The longship was a type of ship used during the Middle Ages, primarily by Norse and Germanic peoples. It was typically characterized by its long length and shallow draft, allowing it to navigate both coastal waters and more open ocean passages.
The longship had an open deck, with oars for propulsion and a single mast for sails, and could be easily maneuvered with a minimum of crew. Longships were designed to carry large amounts of cargo and could accommodate up to 40 people onboard. They could also be outfitted with weapons such as bows, spears, and shields.
Longships played an important role in Viking warfare, allowing them to quickly traverse vast distances and engage in raids on land and sea.
They also made trade and exploration possible, contributing to the spread of Norse culture throughout Europe and beyond. In addition, they were often used for fishing and whaling, as well as other types of coastal transportation.
The design of the longship evolved over time, becoming lighter and faster but still retaining its basic characteristics. Although their use gradually declined after the Middle Ages, they remain a popular icon of Norse culture today.
The knarr was a type of Viking ship used during the medieval period for long-distance cargo transport. It was characterized by its sturdiness, shallow draft, and large cargo capacity. Knarrs were built using clinker construction, which was a technique of overlapping planks of wood to create a sturdy hull. The ship typically had a length of around 36 feet and a width of around 15 feet.
“The knarr, a broad-beamed and sturdy merchant vessel, was widely used by the Vikings for trade and exploration during the Middle Ages.”
Dr. Judith Jesch, professor of Viking Studies at the University of Nottingham.
The keel and sternpost were usually made of oak, while the ribs and planking were made of pine or fir.
Knarrs were most commonly used for merchant trading voyages, and were loaded with goods such as wool, grain, fish, and other products. They had a strong sail which allowed them to make good speeds on the open sea. Despite their sturdiness and cargo capacity, they could not handle rough seas very well, and would have to be pulled up onto shore when storms approached.
Knarrs played an important role in the history of seafaring during the medieval period, and are a reminder of the ingenuity of the Viking people who used them to traverse long distances across the seas.
The caravel is a type of sailing ship that was used in the medieval period and was popular among the Portuguese and Spanish explorers. Caravels were built with a broad beam and shallow draft, making them agile and capable of sailing in shallow waters, allowing for explorations of new lands and territories.
Caravels were typically rigged with three masts, square-rigged on the first two masts and lateen-rigged on the third.
“The caravel, a small and maneuverable ship with triangular sails, played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery in the late Middle Ages.”
Dr. Felipe Fernández-Armesto, historian and author of “Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration.”
Their shape allowed them to move through the water more quickly than other ships of the era, and their small size made them easy to maneuver and explore small coves and harbors. They were outfitted with a variety of weapons for naval combat, such as heavy guns on the sides of the ship. Caravels could also be loaded with cargo, allowing them to carry goods, supplies, or troops over long distances.
Caravels were able to sail against the wind as well as with it, making them incredibly versatile vessels that could explore far and wide. They played an important role in exploration during the medieval period, being used by Columbus on his voyages to the New World. Even today, caravels are still used recreationally and have come to symbolize exploration and adventure.
The galley is a type of ship that has been in use since ancient times, but really flourished during the Middle Ages. Galleys were powered by sails, oars, and banks of slaves who worked to propel the vessel. As such, they were considered to be a more cost-effective form of transport than their counterparts. During the Middle Ages, galleys were used for trade, warfare, and exploration, and ranged from small coastal vessels to large warships.
Galleys were usually long and narrow, with one or two masts and a single bank of oars along the sides. The number of oars could range from as few as eight to as many as 144, depending on the size and purpose of the vessel. Larger vessels were often adorned with castles at either end to provide defensive cover during battle.
Here is a historian quote about the galley boat of medieval times:
“The galley was the most effective and versatile type of naval vessel in the Mediterranean during the medieval period, capable of both naval combat and transporting goods and people. Its design evolved over time, with the introduction of multiple banks of oars and various rigging systems, making it a formidable and efficient warship.”
Dr. John H. Pryor, historian and author of “The Age of the Dromon: The Byzantine Navy ca. 500-1204.”
During the Middle Ages, galleys were often used by Mediterranean powers such as the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Republic, and Ottoman Empire.
They could easily navigate through shallow waters and were quite maneuverable, making them ideal for raiding coastal settlements. They were also powerful enough to survive in open sea battles against other galleys.
In addition to their military applications, galleys were often used as merchant vessels. Trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as across the Atlantic, would be filled with these vessels transporting goods from one part of the world to another. The large banks of oarsmen allowed them to move quickly and avoid capture from rival ships.
Today, modern versions of the galley still exist, though they are usually powered by engines rather than rowers. Their design has changed slightly to include improved safety features and more efficient propulsion systems. They can still be found in some parts of the world, primarily in areas with shallow coasts or inland seas.
The cog was a type of ship used throughout the medieval period of history. It was a large, clinker-built vessel, constructed with overlapping planks that were held together with iron nails or rivets. The most recognizable feature of the cog was its large square sail, which allowed it to traverse the open seas as well as travel up rivers and navigate shallow coastal waters. Cogs also had a higher freeboard than other types of ships, which made them more stable in rougher seas.
Cogs were mainly used for trading and transporting goods, though they were occasionally used for warfare. They had a crew of around twenty sailors and could carry up to 200 tons of cargo. This made them ideal for trade between distant ports and for transporting goods over long distances.
Cogs were used in many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, but they were particularly popular in Northern Europe.
“The cog, a sturdy and versatile cargo vessel, was the predominant ship type of the Hanseatic League in the 13th and 14th centuries.”
Dr. Jan Rüdiger, historian and lecturer at the University of Rostock.
This is due to their superior seaworthiness and their ability to travel in shallow waters. In addition to this, cogs were easy to construct, requiring no specialized tools or skills to build.
Overall, the cog was an important type of vessel throughout the medieval period of history. With its high capacity for cargo, large size, and sturdy construction, it allowed merchants and traders to explore distant ports and engage in lucrative trade.
“The dhow, a sailing vessel with distinctive lateen sails, was the primary ship type used for maritime trade in the Indian Ocean during the medieval period.”
Dr. Roxani Margariti, associate professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Emory University.