a galley is large, low ship with a sail and many oars

an oar is a long pole with a flat end, used for moving a boat

the people who push and pull the oars on a boat are oarsmen

a ship used for fighting is known as a warship

Seafaring in the early Mediterranean world

History

Early explorers and their boats

How Polynesian explorers travelled and navigated

The Vikings and their longboats

Viking navigation and expansion

The incredible voyages of Zheng He

Chinese innovation in seafaring

John Cabot's journeys across the Atlantic

Seafaring 550 years ago

Brunel's race to cross the Atlantic

Life aboard the SS Great Britain

From sail to steam power

In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop their chronological framework, studying a theme that introduced change and continuity across a long time span. In ‘Significant rulers from the past: what can their stories tell us?’ they continue to develop chronological understanding whilst being introduced to various substantive concepts that relate to ruling.

In ‘Traditional stories: what do they tell us about the distant past?’ pupils moved to the distant past in order to start building their chronological framework by hearing traditional historical stories. In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop this framework further by studying a theme that introduces change and continuity across a long time span.

This unit on explorers and seafaring gives students a clear sense of change over time, highlighting technological, economic, and cultural shifts. It covers the sea's role in trade and exploration and explores material culture, craftsmanship, and the influence of seafaring on language and art.

Significant explorers: How has seafaring changed over time?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

What type of ship did early Mediterranean seafarers use?

Who pushed and pulled the oars on a galley ship?

In which area did the Phoenicians, Minoans and Ancient Greeks live?

a large piece of cloth attached to the boat

Match the parts of a boat to the correct description

Which ancient people explored the Pacific Ocean?

Why did the Polynesians travel to different islands?

Which people were some of the most important for Polynesian life?

They didn't like the traditional style hollow canoes.

To survive the changeable weather conditions out in the ocean.

They had extra wood they needed to use up.

Why did the Polynesians decide to make their boats stronger than traditional canoes?

They used skills passed on from their parents

Exit Quiz

How do seafarers travel?