Galleys were the dominant form of sea transportation around the Mediterranean since the time of the ancient Greeks. The ships had long, narrow hulls, banks of oars, and bronze battering rams. 

In 750 BC, triremes were developed to accommodate up to 170 rowers in three tiers. With more rowers in the three-tiered trireme that they could fight enemies in a faster pace. This kind of trireme is commonly used in sea battles during Ancient Greek and Roman period. A model of a trireme is currently on display at the Evergreen Maritime Museum.