Roman Ships

In his naval compaigns, Caesar used the following types of ships:


1. navis longa, a battleship or war galley, propelled by oars and sails. It had a sharp metal beak (rostrum) at the prow, which was used to ram enemy ships. The most common type of battleship was the Trireme, a vessel with thrtee banks of oars.


2. navis oneraria, a transport, broader and slower than the battleship. It was used to carry soldiers, horses, and provisions, and was propelled chiefly by sails.

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