1. The Trireme
by Olivia Smith

2. The Trireme (or Trieres in Greek)
Dominant war vessel of Ancient
Mediterranean civilizations from the 7th century to the 4th century BCE

3. The Trireme Crew Greeks of many classes served on triremes
The total number of people was around 200
Politicians with limited naval experience served as captains
The helmsman had more naval authority, and next in line was the lookout
There were approximately 25 trained officers on board, 14 spearman and 4 archers
Usually there were about 170 rowers on board
There were 62 thranites (upper level), 58 zeugites (middle level), 54 thalamites (lower level)

4. Size and Shape long, narrow and light vessel built for speed
Best used in close combat, on calm seas
about 120 feet long
had three decks of oars and a mast, which was sometimes removed because rowing was quicker and more reliable
At the bow, it had two big oars used for steering
the bottom deck was 18” above the water line

5. Purpose The trireme served as the popular warship of the Classical Age
Its light and narrow build made it easily maneuverable and fast (it reached 12 knots)
Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and many others used this incredible naval weapon
The name “trireme” brings to mind reaming or ramming something, which is exactly what the ship often did
The pointed bow was perfect for attacking enemy vessels

6. Appearance and Style Commonly painted and carved with designs
Had an eye on the front to scare off bad luck
Long and thin
Made by mortise and tenon method, light wood pieced together

7. Greco-Persian War and The Trireme
The trireme played a vital role in warfare, especially the Greco-Persian War of the 4th century BCE
The Trireme saved the Greeks from near-defeat by a massive Persian invasion
Greece faced an enormous invasion by the Persian empire under Xerxes
A prior incident with the Persians assured Greeks that the best way to defeat the Persian empire was by naval combat
consultation with the Oracle at Delphi convinced Athenian politician Themistocles to battle the Persians in a narrow sea passage
The trireme was ideal for close combat in calm seas so she proved an ideal vessel for the ensuing Battle in the strait of Salamis

8. Battle of Salamis
Themistocles convinced the Greeks that they must fight the Persians at the Strait of Salamis, where the narrow passage would give Greeks the advantage
Various Greek city-states rounded between 380 and 450 ships, most of which were triremes, for the upcoming battle
Sparta contributed the naval commander for the Greeks: Eurybiades
The Persians were drawn in to the Greeks’ trap, expecting easily victory

9. The Battle of Salamis continued
The battle was said to have been led from a particular trireme which made the first attack
Triremes rammed and destroyed many Persian vessels with few Greek losses
The Greeks defeated the tremendous Persian fleet because their triremes were superior to Persian ships

10. Bibliography http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/kapost/ship.html
Strauss, Barry. The Battle of Salamis: the Naval Encounter That Saved Greece—and Western Civilization. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004.