One of the first Atlantic voyages (though certainly not the first) was undertaken by the Greek explorer Pytheas during 324 B.C. He sailed from Massilia (modern Marseilles) through the straits of Gibraltar. Thereafter he visited Brittany and continued up the English channel to Kent and the Thames estuary. After this he crossed the North sea to Scandinavia (perhaps Denmark).
Bireme 1 During the 600's B.C., the Greek merchant-ship was constructed with a spoon stern, like a bireme. The legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece tells us about the enormous size of some of these ships. Jason, according to the myth, summoned fifty Greek heroes to man her oars, approximately one hundred and twenty five feet. During that period, Greeks were also known to evenly apply Chian oil mixture in front of the vessel, for it helped the ship's speed.
