Quinterimes

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A quinterime (actually quinquereme) is a three-decked galley that was used in ancient times by the Roman Republic, Roman Empire and the Carthaginians. It is very similar to the more common trireme, with a bronze ram at the front end and a row of oarmen on both sides of each deck. However, on a Quinquereme, there were two men at an oar on the top and middle decks. Most had a sail for longer travels.

The Greeks outfitted their ships with several marines, usually hoplites. The Romans used hastati, principes or possibly even triarii. The Persians used archers as marines. Sometimes the Romans attached a corvus, which means "crow" or "raven" in Latin. A corvus was a long, wooden boarding bridge with some spikes on the end used to attach to and capture enemy ships.

Probably the most decisive battle including ancient ships of this type was the Battle of Salamis.