History in transport
The Bronze Age
Two important changes in transport were the taming of the horse, and the invention of the wheel. The wheel was probably first used around 4,000BC. Only when man had learned to make and use metal tools, could a wheel be shaped.
At first, it was made of two tree trunk slices joined by a stout pole. Small holes were made in the solid wheel to make it lighter and stronger. As the holes became larger, spokes were developed.
Ancient Britons also possessed large numbers of chariots, using them for 'shock' attacks in war. They certainly surprised and upset Julius Caesar's troops during the Roman Invasion! It is thought the chariot was made of basketwork covered with animal skins for protection. The wheels had up to 16 spokes with hubs made of iron or bronze. Two horses were 'yoked' to a centre pole on the chariot.
The Egyptians were the pioneers of sea travel in Europe. Their earliest ships were used only on the River Nile. Later, they built stronger ships that could use either oars or sails for trading with their neighbours. The Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans used similar galleys, both for war and exploration.
The ships later used by Danes and Norsemen were well designed. They had solid oak keels with overlapping planks, and the stem and stern curved upwards. In these long, open ships, many successful Viking Voyages were made, even extending across the Atlantic Ocean.