Roman ships commonly used lead for various nautical purposes from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Lead was used for sheathing hulls from the keel to the waterline, caulking between planks, weighting anchors, and constructing bilge pumps. It protected ships from marine growth and leaks. Lead sheathing was typically 1 meter squares and 1.25mm thick, held on with copper tacks. Anchors had lead stock or assembly pieces to provide weight. Pumps had lead pipes and collecting boxes. Lead was an integral material for maintaining and operating Roman-era ships.