The Rise of the “He-Goat”

Trirems Used by Greeks

The Trireme was an ancient Greek warship with three rows of oars, which is how it got its name (‘tri’, meaning three). These oars were long poles with flat blades that rowers pulled through the water to move the ship forward, giving it impressive speed and control. The vessel also carried a strong bronze ram on its front, used to smash into and sink enemy ships. With this combination of power and maneuverability, the Trireme helped Athens dominate the Aegean Sea and build its maritime empire in the 5th century BCE.