The dromon was the principal Byzantine war galley, propelled mainly by oars and sometimes equipped with Greek fire projectors, used both by the Byzantine navy to combat Mediterranean raiders and, in similar galley forms, by the Saracen pirate emirate based on Crete from the 9th to 10th centuries.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Oar-powered Warship |
|---|---|
| Era Used | Byzantine era, 7th-12th century |
| Typical Crew | ~100-200 |
| Guns / Cannons | none, Greek fire projectors, ram and boarding |
| Speed / Handling | Fast under oar |
| Notable Use | Used by both the Byzantine navy and the Saracen pirate emirate based on Crete |
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