Antiquity, Hellenistic period
-
Teuta
Teuta, regent of the Illyrian Ardiaei kingdom, defended piracy as Illyrian custom and drew Rome into its first war across the Adriatic.
-
Hemiolia
The hemiolia was a light, fast galley type especially favored by Cilician pirates for its speed and reduced rowing complement, which could be adjusted to add extra fighting men, making it well suited to quick ambush and boarding attacks described in ancient sources.