The trireme, powered by three banks of oars, was the premier warship of the classical Mediterranean world, used both by pirate confederations who seized captured vessels and by the Rhodian and Roman fleets that hunted the Cilician pirates in the 1st century BCE.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Oar-powered Warship |
|---|---|
| Era Used | Classical Antiquity, 5th century BCE onward |
| Typical Crew | ~170 rowers plus marines |
| Guns / Cannons | none, ram and boarding |
| Speed / Handling | Fast in short bursts under oar |
| Notable Use | Used by Rhodian and Roman fleets in campaigns against the Cilician pirates |
Learn More
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.