Not being natural seafarers, the Romans were quick to build a navy based upon the ships of their adversaries, the Carthaginians.

Bringing their engineering expertise to bear with the addition of weapons such as ballistas and catapults, the Romans soon defeated their foes and held power in the Mediterranean.

This scene shows Roman warships under sail, with oars run in, escorting the Egyptian grain fleet. From the 1 st century bce to the 3 rd century ce, Rome held total domination of the Mediterranean Sea – an achievement never before or since equalled. Such was the power of Rome.

Contrary to popular belief, Roman galley oarsmen were paid freedmen and not slaves.