Why the sailors were afraid of travelling to far off in the olden days?

 Sailors in the olden days often had various reasons to be afraid of traveling far from the coast and into the open sea. Some of these reasons include:

 

1.      Fear of the Unknown: During ancient times, there was limited knowledge about the geography of the world. Sailors ventured into uncharted waters where they didn't know what to expect. This fear of the unknown could lead to anxiety and reluctance to sail too far from familiar shores.

 

2.      Navigational Challenges: Navigational tools and methods in ancient times were not as advanced as today. Sailors relied on landmarks, stars, and basic navigational instruments to guide them. Venturing far from the coast meant losing sight of familiar landmarks, making it challenging to accurately determine their position and find their way back.

 

3.      Lack of Supplies: Long voyages could deplete supplies of food and fresh water, leaving sailors vulnerable to hunger, dehydration, and scurvy. Sailing into uncharted waters could mean uncertainty about finding sources of sustenance along the way.

 

4.      Storms and Calamities: Ancient sailors lacked modern weather forecasting and communication systems. They were at the mercy of the elements and could encounter violent storms, rough seas, and other natural disasters that posed significant risks to their vessels and lives.

 

5.      Superstitions and Legends: Sailors in olden days were often superstitious and believed in myths and legends about sea monsters, mermaids, and other supernatural beings. These beliefs contributed to the fear of the unknown and could deter them from venturing too far from the coast.

 

6.      Limited Technology: Ancient ships were not as advanced as modern vessels. They were often less stable and less capable of enduring long journeys across open waters. The fear of shipwrecks and the inability to repair or navigate damaged vessels added to the caution of sailors.

 

7.      Isolation and Distance: Sailing far from the coast meant being isolated from potential sources of help or rescue in case of emergencies. This isolation heightened the risks associated with any mishaps that might occur during the voyage.

 

8.      Cultural and Social Factors: Societal norms and cultural beliefs also played a role. Many cultures held a fear of the open sea as a vast and unpredictable realm, which could discourage sailors from venturing too far from familiar shores.

 

Overall, the combination of limited knowledge, navigational challenges, potential dangers, and cultural factors contributed to the fears and hesitations of sailors in the olden days when it came to embarking on long journeys into the open sea.