New Vanguard #132 is on the Greek warships that were used during the height of Athenian power in the Mediterranean world. These triremes were the most sophisticated warship of the time and designed to be light and fast an maneuverable. There were three ways to put these ships out of action. One was to punch a hole in it with a bronze sheathed ram that weighed up to 200 lbs, the other was to burn it, and the third was to capture it.

Describing these ships is more difficult than other ships of the time as triremes were positively buoyant  (which meant they did not sink). As such, none were buried in the silt and mud of ancient harbors so we only have descriptions in texts and depictions on art works to show what these ships were like. As they were built out of the lightest of woods in order to be fast and maneuverable, they would easily waterlog so were generally beached and brought ashore when not in use. With a crew of nearly 200, most of them involved in rowing, these ships were easily manhandled by the crews.

Eventually some larger quadremes and quintremes were built, but in few numbers as they really were not as useful as warships as the triremes. The author provides as much information as is known about these ships and how they were used in warfare. Fortunately, an excellent reproduction was built in Greece using the available knowledge of these ships for the time and it is available for study. The book is additionally enhanced by the outstanding art work and illustrations of Peter Bull as well as images of artifacts from which the understanding of how these ships were constructed and operated were taken.

It is a fascinating look into the cutting edge of naval technology of the ancient Greeks and a book that will keep your interest from the first to the last page. One I can highly recommend.

April 2007

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