ABSTRACT
The nature of ancient warships and their tactics, as well as the strategic considerations at play in powers vying for control of the sea, are the subjects of this chapter. Aside from important battles, a few of which are examined in this chapter, naval warfare both reflected and had a profound effect on Greek politics, society, and culture. Many scholars argue that true democracy did not take hold in Athens until the middle of the fifth century BCE, when champions of the rowing classes won more power for the masses.
