Did the Ancient Egyptians Go to Sea?

Exploring Egypt’s Forgotten Age of Seafaring: Trade, Power, and Ancient Ships

When we think of Ancient Egypt, images of grand pyramids and tombs often come to mind, but did you know Egypt was also a major maritime power? Despite their deep connection to the Nile, the ancient Egyptians were no strangers to the open seas, building ships, forming trade links, and mastering naval expeditions that shaped their civilization in unexpected ways.

Navigating Chaos: Early Egyptian Sea Trade

While ancient Egyptians associated the seas with chaos, particularly in their mythology around the god Seth, this didn’t stop them from venturing out for trade. Archaeological evidence suggests that as far back as 3000 BCE, Egyptian sailors navigated the Mediterranean, seeking valuable resources like cedarwood from regions as distant as Lebanon. But, it wasn’t just about timber. Trade routes reached as far as Greece, and pottery fragments from Egyptian settlements have been found in Palestine.

What’s more, the ancient Egyptians knew their way around shipbuilding. Using planks of wood tied together with woven straps and stuffed with reed caulking, they built ships that were both functional and impressive. The first known ship dates back to the Pharaoh Aha around 3000 BCE, stretching an impressive 75 feet.

Pharaohs, Trade, and Pyramid Building

Sea trade took off during the Old and Middle Kingdoms. According to the Palermo Stone, a historical record from this era, Pharaoh Sneferu, responsible for building the first true pyramid, was also behind the creation of vast fleets of ships. Sneferu’s fleet transported essential resources, including massive shipments of cedarwood from Byblos (modern-day Lebanon), which were crucial for his grand pyramid projects.

The Pharaohs didn't stop at importing timber. The distant land of Yam, located in Nubia (modern-day Sudan), was another hub where Egyptian traders sourced ivory, gold, and exotic woods. Ancient Egyptians extended their maritime influence far beyond their borders, contributing to Egypt’s economic and cultural prosperity.

Recent Discoveries: Egypt’s Lost Harbor

A groundbreaking discovery at Wadi el-Jarf, a harbour on Egypt's Red Sea coast, shows that the Egyptians weren’t just trading with nearby neighbours—they were expanding their maritime expeditions eastward. This massive harbour, dating back 4,600 years to the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (the builder of the Great Pyramid), reveals how integral seafaring was to ancient Egyptian construction and trade. The harbour’s strategic position near key resources and trade routes proves that Egypt’s early kings relied on sea power as much as they did on land-based resources.

Detail of Cheops’ harbour jetty after excavations, near Wadi el-Jarf. Note the remains of the L-shaped bank or wall extending into the sea. Pierre Tallet

Hatshepsut: The Queen of the Seas

Fast forward to the New Kingdom, and you’ll find one of Egypt’s most fascinating rulers: Queen Hatshepsut. Determined to restore Egypt’s maritime supremacy, she undertook bold sea expeditions. Her temple art records an extraordinary sea adventure that helped re-establish ancient trading routes, bypassing middlemen and bringing Egypt back to the forefront of maritime trade.

Under Hatshepsut, new titles like “Fleet Captain” and “Captain of Marines” were introduced, signifying Egypt’s growing naval power. Her successful sea campaigns not only solidified Egypt’s economy but also left an indelible mark on its maritime history.

A Modern Revival: Sailing the Seas of History

Maritime archaeologist Cheryl Ward recently recreated an ancient Egyptian ship using traditional techniques. Sailing the reconstructed vessel down the Red Sea showed that the ancient Egyptians were not only brilliant shipbuilders but also highly skilled sailors, able to navigate vast waters with precision. These recreations give us a glimpse into the seafaring lives of the ancient Egyptians, proving they weren’t just a landlocked society—they were seafarers who changed the world.

https://www.academia.edu/26028214/Reconstruction_and_Sailing_Performance_of_an_Ancient_Egyptian_Ship