In both ancient Greece and Rome, galleys were a central component of naval warfare and trade, providing the means for swift movement, troop transport, and naval battles. These ships were typically rowed vessels, powered by human labor, which distinguished them from later sailing ships that relied more heavily on wind power. The design and construction of galleys evolved over time, with both the Greeks and Romans adapting their fleets to meet military needs and technological advancements.

The ancient Greek galley, known primarily as the trireme, was one of the most famous and effective warships of its time. The trireme was characterized by three rows of oars on each side, with each row manned by a single rower. This configuration allowed for significant speed and maneuverability, essential qualities for naval combat. The trireme’s main weapon was its bronze ram, which was used to strike enemy ships below the waterline, often causing them to sink or be disabled. The Athenians, in particular, became famous for their use of triremes during the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE), which was a decisive naval victory against the Persians. Triremes could carry about 170 rowers, along with soldiers and officers, giving them a powerful and versatile presence on the water. Over time, the Greek navy would also develop the bireme (two rows of oars) and the quadrireme (four rows of oars), but the trireme remained the standard for Greek naval power.

The Romans adopted and further developed the Greek galley design. In the early days of the Roman Republic, Roman galleys were similar to Greek models, with the trireme again being a primary vessel in the Roman navy. However, the Romans eventually favored larger and more powerful galleys as their empire expanded and they needed to control vast stretches of coastline. During the 1st century BCE, particularly in the time of Julius Caesar and the Roman Civil Wars, Roman ships like the liburnian became more common. The liburnian was a type of lighter, faster galley, often with three rows of oars but with a more streamlined design that made it highly maneuverable. The liburnian was especially useful for reconnaissance and rapid attacks, and its smaller size allowed it to navigate in shallower waters, making it ideal for the Mediterranean’s diverse coastal geography.

Roman warships, while they often retained the use of the bronze ram as their primary offensive weapon, also introduced the corvus—a boarding device that could be dropped onto enemy ships, allowing Roman soldiers to board and engage in hand-to-hand combat. This device was particularly useful during the First Punic War (264–241 BCE), in which Rome faced off against Carthage, a naval power with superior sailing ships. The Romans’ use of the corvus allowed them to turn sea battles into land-based encounters, where their superior infantry could gain an advantage over the Carthaginian crews.