During the Middle Ages (5th to the late 15th century) Europe entered a period of unprecedented colonialism. This was the time when frames, sails, rope and cordage made from cannabis begin to appear on Italian shipping vessels. Eventually, hemp sails would replace flax sails as ship builders began realizing that flax sails were weak and began rotting after 3 months while sails made from cannabis were far more durable. In 1533, to meet the increased demand for stronger rope and sailcloth for his fledgling navy, King Henry VIII required all landholders to set aside one-quarter acre for the cultivation of flax or cannabis (Hemp) for every sixty acres of land they tilled.