The ancient Roman merchant sail ship

During the Golden Age of the Roman Empire, Roman ships controlled the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to a naval fleet, which until the 18th century was larger, than any other European fleet, the seas were navigable by many large merchant ships, carrying goods to the growing capital of Rome. Roman wall paintings, mosaics, reliefs, etc. allow us to perfectly recreate the appearance and structural elements of these ships. Merchant ships of up to 1,200 tons, sailing from Rome, sailed in all directions and reached the shores of Africa, Asia Minor and much of the western Mediterranean coasts. They returned loaded with wheat, cooking oil, silk and spices. They brought wine from France and Greece and stone sarcophagi were imported for the Roman nobility. One of the most important trade routes throughout the Mediterranean was Ostia, the port of Rome, and Alexandria in Egypt. From there, large quantities of wheat were regularly imported. Goods, such as wheat, were usually transported in terracotta amphorae, and medium-size cargo ships could carry as many as 10,000 amphorae. Ships usually had two masts, a main mast in the center and a bowsprit mast, that leaned forward. Rectangular linen sails were attached to wooden crossbeams. Often, two triangular sails were hoisted above the main sail on the main mast. Current research on shipwrecks suggests,  that the hull was usually built of spruce, cypress, and cedar. Oak was used for the spars. The pins and studs were made of bog oak. Goods were transported in holds below the main deck. A small superstructure was built at the stern to shelter the crew from bad weather. The ship was steered by two steering oars, mounted on the sides of the stern. A common decoration was the figure of a swan's neck and head at the stern.

A small, not very complicated, colorful and well-designed model, suitable for modelers of any experience, except for complete beginners. And for beginners and modelers with little experience, who have assembled several models, we advise them to work carefully, thoroughly, use all their patience, and, if possible, work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. Double-side printing was used, where necessary. The text instructions are quite large for such a small model, quite detailed in English and German, the graphic ones are somewhat smaller, but quite detailed and sufficient for gluing the model correctly.