Digital reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo ship….

To read all about the project illustrated above, go to saxonship. See also the Mail.

I have to say though that if the bow is on the left of the middle picture, and the vessel is presumably moving from right to left…aren’t the oarsmen sitting the wrong way around? Or are they intentionally going backward? Or, of course, did they row in reverse in order to go forward? If you see what I mean. But that seems a little laborious, it being easier and more effective to pull on oars than push.