• PugJesus@lemmy.worldOPM
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      1 month ago

      It’s derived from the design and depictions of Hellenistic warships. Based on the ship’s outline, the protrusions of the oars, literary descriptions, and the number of rowers assigned, there are only so many possibilities for seating.

        • PugJesus@lemmy.worldOPM
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          1 month ago

          Rowing ships like this were usually warships, so cargo was of minimal concern. Merchant ships usually relied on sails.

          • Autonomous User@lemmy.world
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            1 month ago

            They don’t carry like ammo, war machines, siege equipment? I guess I don’t know how heavy that would be or how much it would take to weigh down a ship.

            • PugJesus@lemmy.worldOPM
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              1 month ago

              Supplies would’ve been carried separately, generally by merchant ships pressed into service, while war machines and siege equipment would’ve generally been constructed on-site by the land forces. Warships were made to fight other ships on the sea. Ramming and boarding were their purposes, above all. Sometimes light siege weapons and archer platforms were affixed.

    • Akasazh@feddit.nl
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      1 month ago

      I agree. Certainly considering the huge oars with four people pulling. The last person must’ve moved very far and the one sitting next to the porthole must’ve fine almost nothing.