Sailing Textiles from Prehistory to Early History

This book originates from an international conference that took place in Gothenburg, Sweden in April 2024. It brings together researchers from all over Europe working with the production and use of sails, maritime textiles, rigging, ropes, and clothing for seafaring as we know them from a different array of archaeological, historical, and textual evidence. Maritime textiles are seldom the focus of dedicated events; additionally, much research is normally carried out at museum institutions working with reconstruction of ancient vessels and not further discussed in academic settings. The meeting was designed to promote room for discussion and contribute to the formulation of new strategies and approaches for future research and this volume presents both case studies and wider discussions exploring four key themes: sails and sail production from the Bronze Age to the 18th century; boat technology and the significance of ropes and rigging; dressing for the sea; and the contribution of archaeozoology and archaeobotany for our understanding of prehistoric maritime textile production. The geographical coverage is Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and contributors address the themes using a variety of source materials based on archaeological, classical literature, documentary, and experimental research. Such a collection of papers is the first of its kind. Research about sails, sailcloths, ropes, and rigging is extensive, but dealt with at various levels and often by researchers working in museums; the interest that the conference in Gothenburg received is a good indicator of the need for dedicated fora on the topic and this book should become a milestone in this respect.