Hellenistic Naval Warfare and Warships 336-30 BC: War at Sea from Alexander to Actium

The Hellenistic period saw a naval arms race and technological change in naval design, with the largest oared vessels ever built. Michael Pitassi reconstructs the various classes of warships and narrates key naval battles, considering strategic factors such as port facilities and timber supply.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Hellenistic period, spanning from the reign of Alexander the Great to the pivotal Battle of Actium, witnessed a remarkable era of technological advancement and innovative naval design. This period saw a fierce naval arms race among the Successor States, resulting in an abundance of diverse ship types and the construction of the largest oared vessels ever seen. In his comprehensive work, Michael Pitassi meticulously gathers all available evidence and comparative data to reconstruct the various classes of warships that thrived during this time. Each ship is accompanied by clear diagrams and scale models, meticulously illustrating the intricate arrangements of oars and rowers, a subject that has continued to spark ongoing debate among scholars. Pitassi also delves into the key naval battles of the Hellenistic era, providing vivid descriptions of these massive affairs involving hundreds of ships. He sheds light on the forces engaged, the tactics employed, and the strategic factors that played a crucial role in determining the outcome. These battles, ranging from the Battle of Actium to the Siege of Corinth, showcased the evolving naval strategies and technologies of the time. Moreover, Pitassi considers the location of port facilities, the supply of timber, and the flourishing maritime trade as essential strategic factors that shaped the course of these conflicts. By examining these diverse aspects, Pitassi's work offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the Hellenistic period, shedding light on the intricate interplay between technology, warfare, and strategic decision-making in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Dimension: 246 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399097604