Page 27 - FindTomInTime_Rome
P. 27
Rome was not just a city, but a huge empire with around 60 million inhabitants at its biggest. The port at , 25 kilometres from Rome itself, was a busy place, full of
(military) ships as well as merchant ships for trading.
One of the main imports was grain, used to make bread for the poor, as well as silk, perfume, spices and marble. The Romans exported
, olive oil and pottery.
Roman naval ships used sails and oars for speed. Most ships needed 300 rowers to
power them and with hundreds of ships in the navy, that was a lot of sailors!
23
• • • • • • •
Tom?
A sailor going for a swim?
A crab getting a lift?
A cheeky boy sneaking on to a ship? A bag of grain falling overboard?
A seagull stealing some food?
Digby the cat?