In the first century of the Christian Era traveling by sea was attended with peculiar hardship and peril. Mariners directed their course largely by the position of the sun and stars; and when these did not appear, and there were indications of storm, the owners of vessels were fearful of venturing into the open sea. During a portion of the year, safe navigation was almost impossible.

I det første århundrede af den kristne tidsregning var det forbundet med særlige besværligheder og farer at rejse til søs. Søfolk indstillede i det store og hele deres kurs efter solens og stjernernes stilling og når disse ikke var synlige og det så ud til storm, var skibenes ejere ængstelige for at vove sig ud på åbent hav. En del af året var det næsten umuligt at navigere med sikkerhed.