Ancient Egyptian ships. Historical artwork of several types of boats and ships used in Ancient Egypt. Elaborate royal barges are at left, an oared sailing ship is at right, and fishermen are seen unloading canoes in the foreground. The civilisation of Ancient Egypt developed a range of barges and boats to be used on the River Nile, and also built large fleets to explore the Mediterranean and down the coast of East Africa. Few remains have been found, and artworks such as this are based on written descriptions and pictures on the walls of temples and monuments. French artwork, by F. Hottenroth, from the period 1880-1890.