The oar-powered war galley, low and narrow with a projecting ram or beak, dominated Mediterranean naval warfare for centuries and remained the vessel of choice for Barbary corsairs into the 17th century since it could close on becalmed merchant ships. Reliance on large numbers of oarsmen, often enslaved captives, made the galley both a weapon and an instrument of the Barbary slave trade.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Oar-powered Warship |
|---|---|
| Era Used | Antiquity-17th century |
| Typical Crew | 150-300 (rowers plus soldiers) |
| Guns / Cannons | light bow guns in later periods; ram and boarding earlier |
| Speed / Handling | Fast in calm conditions, independent of wind |
| Notable Use | Associated with Barbary corsair leaders such as Hayreddin Barbarossa |
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