History
How the Lateen Sail Revolutionized Mediterranean Maritime Trade
Quick fact
The lateen sail was so effective that it remained in use for nearly a millennium, and pirates in the Mediterranean continued using lateen-rigged vessels until the 19th century.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a ship that can only move straight downwind—how would you ever get home? The lateen sail broke that barrier, letting ancient sailors zigzag against the wind and rewrite the map of the Mediterranean.