Punting pole

A punting or setting pole was used to propel or steer a boat when towed from the riverside (by slaves or horses). Sailing on winding rivers could be quite challenging, so river transport in most cases used punting, rowing or towing. An early medieval source describes that the crew of an early hulk consisted of 5 people: three slaves for towing, one slave for punting and the owner of the boat. T…