Dr bill and i have been back and forth about the ropes, and wondering what fibers, and when rope walks came about.
i suspect linen for rope, since 1) linen was cultivated in ancientn egypt (for sure, and perhaps else where!) and 2) linen is stronger when wet than dry, making it an excellent material for use near water.
as for ropes.. and rope walks.
you only have to watch a few nature/national geographic type specials to see a person (almost universally male) twist twine or sinew, by holding with his teeth, and twisting it by rubbing it across his leg, and form a short lenght of rope. BUT, and this is a big BUT, moving from short lengths to long ropes.. one wonders about the intermediate technology--rope walks seem to complicated to a have just arisen!
Dr bill shared with me his instructions for making rope or twine, i have used almost the same process to make 'decorative cords' --to trim embroidered pillow.. (i used an hand auger, he suggest a variable speed drill..) same idea, really. the real 'trick' is finding a long enough expance to start!(since your original 'strands' are shortened by 75%! (40 feet of yarn will make 10 feet of cord!)
i'll share his directions if anyone is interested. but i know i would be interested in hearing from any sailors if they have any info on rope making..(or hobbist, or spinners, or ... anyone who has an idea!)
is there a difference between rope and cable? in spun goods for knitting, S twists and Z twists have different uses, and qualities, is that also true for rope? (or steel cable? is steel cable strong when its twisted? (thinking of bridges, the cable on GW bridge is not twisted, on Whitestone bridge it is..)
