I'm putting together a fantasy setting, and a major part of it is imperial control of a river system that cuts through several countries. I know that it was possible to row upriver before steam power, given favourable conditions. But before going any further I guess I should start thinking about how I need to structure the waterway and the ships for my plans to work.
I want the system to be a busy trade route, with occasional piracy problems, and at least a couple of chances to shift up a side-river.
I guess canals could be dug to connect two or three river systems, but digging a truly extensive canal system in pre-industrial days would be a Herculean task.
Then there's the question of how I need the boats to be structured so they can ferry enough soldiers or wares to make a difference, yet still be rowed. And the issue of what the river needs to be like to be gentle enough for up-stream rowing. I'm no geographist.
Any advice?
I want the system to be a busy trade route, with occasional piracy problems, and at least a couple of chances to shift up a side-river.
I guess canals could be dug to connect two or three river systems, but digging a truly extensive canal system in pre-industrial days would be a Herculean task.
Then there's the question of how I need the boats to be structured so they can ferry enough soldiers or wares to make a difference, yet still be rowed. And the issue of what the river needs to be like to be gentle enough for up-stream rowing. I'm no geographist.
Any advice?