Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:23:02-1:31:23

Medieval cogs and raised fighting platforms

Cogs and longboat-like medieval vessels developed aftercastles, possible forecastles, and raised archer platforms.

ArcheryCogsMedieval Naval HistoryNaval ArchitectureShip Design
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Question

Did early medieval ships have forecastles and aftercastles?

Short answer

Some had castle-like structures or raised platforms; cogs had early aftercastles and possible forecastles, while longboat-like vessels could also carry raised fighting positions.

Notes

Raised platforms appear on vessels that still resemble Viking longboats as well as on cogs. Cogs had early aftercastles and, arguably, forecastles. The longboat-like examples are described as having a platform near the stern, with a forward platform much less common. Archery is suggested as a use for those elevated positions, although that purpose is stated tentatively. The examples make the development of shipboard castles more gradual than a single invention attached to one hull type.