The brick-lined pits in which the Abydos boats were buried

The Oldest Planked Boat Yet Found

At Abydos in ancient Egypt, one boat revealed something remarkable: it is the oldest planked boat yet discovered. That means builders were joining wooden boards into a full boat at a surprisingly early date.

Abydos Boats: How Egypt Built Ships 5,000 Years Ago

Detail from the scenes decorating the chapel of the Sacred Boat of Amun-Ra in the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. The pharaoh is depicted during different stages of ritual to honour the Theban god. The photograph is attributable to Antonio Beato.

Built Outside In

This boat had no internal frame, or wooden support skeleton. Instead, builders shaped the outer shell first, with seams packed with reed bundles and reeds spread across the floor.

Abydos Boats: How Egypt Built Ships 5,000 Years Ago

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