Egyptian Khufu Ships A revolutionary type of ship design was developed in Egypt (early Mesopotamia) around 3.000 BC. This was the first major phase of ship design. These first vessels were made using planks of wood from papyrus trees and were connected together with leather straps and treenails. These 3-meter-long ships called Khufu ships sailed down the Nile River and used oars for steering through the water.