Secrets of Roman Naval Triumphs: The Raven Hidden Powe

by: roman-empire.net Nov 05 2023

The Roman Navy was initially considered inferior and under army control.

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During the First Punic War, Rome created a fleet, though they lacked shipbuilding knowledge.

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Roman ships were influenced by captured Carthaginian vessels and Greek expertise.

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Rome achieved naval victories using the innovative "raven," a boarding plank with a spike.

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The "raven" contributed to Roman sea victories but made ships unstable in rough seas.

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Pompey cleared the seas of pirates using a fleet composed of vessels from Greek cities.

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Octavian and Agrippa built a large fleet to defeat Sextus, gaining control of the western Mediterranean.

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Augustus established a permanent naval arrangement with bases like Misenum, Ravenna, and Alexandria.

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