Galley

The term galley can refer to any ship propelled primarily by man-power, using oars. Most galleys also use masts and sails as a secondary means of propulsion.

Related Topics:
Ship - Oar

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Various types of galleys dominated naval warfare in the Mediterranean from the time of Homer to the development of effective naval gunnery around the 15th and 16th centuries. Galleys fought in the wars of ancient Persia, Greece, Carthage and Rome until the 4th century. After the fall of the Roman Empire, galleys saw continued, if somewhat reduced, use by the Byzantine Empire and other successors, as well as by the new Muslim states. Medieval Mediterranean states revived the use of galleys from the 14th century until the ocean-going man of war rendered them obsolete. The Battle of Lepanto (1571) was one of the largest naval battles in which the galley played the principal part. Galleys continued in mainstream use until the introduction of the broadside sailing ship into the Mediterranean in the 17th Century and then continued to function in minor and auxiliary roles until the advent of steam propulsion.

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Homer - Persia - Greece - Carthage - Rome - 4th century - Fall of the Roman Empire - Byzantine Empire - Muslim - 14th century - Man of war - Battle of Lepanto (1571) - Naval battle - Steam propulsion

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