Wild Boar

By the 6th Century B.C. the Greek warship had evolved from dug out craft into lightweight plank on frame ships as seen here. The carved wild boar at the prow was a waterline battering ram designed to break up enemy craft. The storming bridge running the centerline of the ship allowed marines to move quickly fore and aft to encounter the enemy during battle. The sail , mast and yardarm were lowered for battle with all maneuvering and speed achieved by oar power from the double banked " Bireme " system of 48 oars.