The article considers history of lead in the use of antique shipbuilding. The author shows that extension of trade routes in the 6th-5th centuries BC required the creation of a new type of merchant ship that could stay at sea longer and carry more cargo. Trying to solve the problem of creating such a ship, ancient shipbuilders faced a number of technical problems. Among these problems was the protection of the underwater hull from pests. In addition, it was required to pick up material for a number of auxiliary parts and mechanisms – anchors, balancers, pipes, etc.
