Q&A · 2:19:36-2:20:01

Q&A: Where did Rome obtain timber for its fleets?

Northern Italy is identified as the probable main timber source, while the exact origins remain debated.

Question

Where did Rome obtain the timber to rebuild so many fleets?

Short answer

Probably mainly from northern Italy, although the precise source of the timber remains debated.

Notes

Northern Italy is the probable main source of Rome's shipbuilding timber. The preference is linked to the quality of wood available there. The precise origins remain debated, so this is a likely supply region rather than a complete account of procurement.