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.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Oar-powered Warship |
|---|---|
| Era Used | Antiquity, Hellenistic period |
| Typical Crew | ~60-100 |
| Guns / Cannons | none, ram and boarding |
| Speed / Handling | Very fast, light build |
| Notable Use | A preferred vessel type of the Cilician pirates |
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