12-24-2003, 08:14 AM
Aitor is right. With incidental exceptions - but then they were always freed beforehand - slaves did not serve in crews of ancient warships. Galleyslaves (as punishment) were an invention of the 15th century.<br>
Apparently later, Byzantine, rowing systems allowed one of two rowers on a single oar to release his hold and join the fight. Before that time, there were marines for that job. The Athenians used very few, only ten to fifteen archers and hoplites per trireme. In later periods and other types of ship, this number could rise considerably. <p></p><i></i>
Apparently later, Byzantine, rowing systems allowed one of two rowers on a single oar to release his hold and join the fight. Before that time, there were marines for that job. The Athenians used very few, only ten to fifteen archers and hoplites per trireme. In later periods and other types of ship, this number could rise considerably. <p></p><i></i>
