First Dynasty Royal Boat

Although ships were used prior to 3000 B.C., we know too little about them to create any accurate reconstructions. The earliest ships were made in Mesopotamia in the Millenium before 3000 BC for use in the Persian Gulf and beyond.

By 3000 B.C., the Egyptians were making boats like this one to serve as a King's Royal Vessel. The King (Pharaoh) would sit or stand on the rear platform. A boatsman stood on the front and the ship was towed by another ship or from shore.