Introduction

The Ancient Romans were known explorers and traders, extending their reach from the Mediterranean to lands beyond. One of the less extensively explored territories in Roman history is their activity and navigation in the Atlantic Ocean. This article delves into the known horizons of Roman maritime exploration, focusing on the extent of their navigation into the Atlantic, with special emphasis on the Canaries and potentially the Azores.

Roman Navigation and Trade in the Atlantic

The extent of Roman sailing in the Atlantic Ocean was primarily along the coasts of modern-day Spain and Portugal. This strategic coastline allowed the Romans to establish trade routes and military expeditions, with the most notable being the 2nd Century BCE excursions by the Roman general and explorer Publius Cornelius Scipio.

Scipio's voyages are some of the most celebrated Roman forays into the Atlantic. According to historical records, he navigated around the southern coasts of Spain and explored the vast expanse of the Atlantic, reaching as far as the Canary Islands. Historical anecdotes also suggest that the Romans might have ventured to the Azores, although this is less well-documented in contemporary records.

Trade and Military Expeditions

Roman ships were not fully ocean-worthy and were designed to navigate coastal waters rather than long-distance voyages into the Atlantic. They maintained close proximity to the shore, utilizing the strong currents and favorable winds to propel them. For this reason, their primary objective was to maintain trade routes and secure territory along the Atlantic coast.

A notable example of Roman military and naval presence in the Atlantic is documented in The Commentarii de Bello Gallico by Julius Caesar. During his campaigns in Brittany against the Amoricum, Roman ships encountered significant nautical challenges, leading to scattered fleets and many losses. This highlights the vulnerabilities of Roman maritime capabilities during the expansion into the Atlantic.

Canary Islands and Beyond

Among the islands that the Romans did explore, the Canary Islands stand out. These volcanic islands on the Atlantic coast of North Africa were encountered around 10 AD by an expedition sent by the Roman vassal King Juba II. According to Pliny the Elder, this expedition also included a discovery of ruins and the presence of dogs, leading to the name of the islands, "Canary."

Another crucial Roman naval outpost was Mogador, situated in southern Morocco. This strategic location was instrumental in the dye production industry which was highly sought after by the Roman elite. The prosperity of Mogador was fueled by the Roman presence, contributing to significant cultural and economic exchanges.

Trade and Coinage

Despite the lack of direct Roman interactions far down the western coast of Africa, numerous Roman artifacts and coins have been discovered in regions such as Nigeria, Niger, Guinea, Togo, and Ghana. These findings suggest that while there may not have been direct Roman trade, there were certainly indirect exchanges and cultural influences.

Significantly, no single article unmistakably originating in Africa south of the Equator has been discovered in the Graeco-Roman world, nor is there mention of such articles in contemporary Arabian records. This suggest that the Roman presence in the region was primarily maritime-focused, with limited land-based interactions deep within the African continent.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Romans undertook significant maritime activities in the Atlantic Ocean, their primary focus was on coastal navigation and exploration rather than deep ocean exploration. The islands of the Canaries formed a crucial part of their maritime network, and there is evidence to suggest that they may have ventured as far as the Azores. However, for a full and detailed understanding of Roman maritime ventures, continued research and archaeological discoveries are essential.