Q&A · 54:59-55:42

Where did Rome obtain galley materials?

Italian tar deposits and possible Egyptian rope materials illustrate the supply needs of a Roman galley fleet.

Ancient Galleys Naval Industrial Capacity Roman Navy Shipbuilding

Question

Where did the wood, tar and rope for these ships come from?

Short answer

Rome obtained tar from Italian bogs, while some rope material may have come from Egypt. The timber source remains uncertain.

Notes

Roman tar came from deposits in Italian bogs. Rope was a more difficult supply problem, and some of its raw material may have come from Egypt. The timber source remains uncertain.