The first known boats date back to about 10,000 years ago. These boats had of course limitations and where primarily used for fishing and hunting. Around 3 000 BC ancient Egyptians knew how to assemble wooden planks in to ship hulls.
(Image to right shows a reproduction of Viking long boat that measures 22 meters long and holds 20 people).
Ships and boats have developed alongside mankind. In major wars, and in day to day life, they have become an integral part of our modern society. Ships also played a key role in our history’s great explorations of scientific and technological development. They have been used for such purposes as colonization, slave trade and have served cultural and humanitarian needs. Navigators as Zheng He spread inventions like the compass and gunpowder.  New crops that had come from the Americas via the European seafarers in the 16th century significantly contributed to the world’s population growth.