No evidence Romans learnt shipbuilding from Malay sailors, says historian, amid academic’s claims
Sign up now: Get insights on the biggest stories in Malaysia
Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud said the similarities in Roman and Malay shipbuilding are more accurately considered a result of “multiple discoveries” or “simultaneous inventions”.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
SHAH ALAM – There is no archaeological evidence or historical record indicating that the ancient Roman civilisation learnt shipbuilding techniques from the Malays, Sinar Harian reported.
Professor Emeritus Wan Ramli Wan Daud, a historian of Malay technology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, told the Malay-language daily that the similarities between Roman and Malay shipbuilding methods are coincidental and not the result of direct influence or technology exchange.
He explained that while it is true that ancient Romans built ships by constructing the hull first, similar to the Malays using wooden pegs to fasten the planks, this was a common practice.
“However, after the first century, the Romans switched to building the frame first before constructing the hull.
“Moreover, many other ancient civilisations, such as the Vikings and Phoenicians, used the same method of constructing the hull first and fastening it with wooden pegs,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying in a statement on Nov 6.
Previously, Professor Solehah Yaacob, a lecturer from the International Islamic University Malaysia, claimed that Roman shipbuilding techniques were believed to have been learnt from Malay sailors.
Dr Solehah argued that Malay expertise in maritime matters and shipbuilding began during the Funan Kingdom era and flourished in the Malay Archipelago, influencing foreign civilisations, including Ancient Rome.
She further stated that Phoenician influences also contributed to the development of maritime technology in the region, particularly in shipbuilding skills.
Dr Wan Ramli said there is no evidence that these civilisations were taught shipbuilding by the Malays.
Instead, the similarities are more accurately considered a result of “multiple discoveries” or “simultaneous inventions”.
“This phenomenon shows that technological development does not necessarily originate from a single culture, but can occur simultaneously when humans face similar needs and environmental conditions,” he explained.
He added that the method of constructing the hull first and fastening it with wooden pegs before building the frame is a prime example of the “simultaneous invention” phenomenon recorded in the history of technology. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
