This 19th century print depicts a Phoenician bireme, a war galley with two banks of oars, battering ram, and single mast. Deck, passengers and pavisade were above the rowers. This design was also favored by early Greek and Tyrian galleys. The bireme introduced by the Phoenicians c. 800 BC became the leading warship of the Mediterranean world in the centuries to follow. Notwithstanding this depiction, these vessels became very large in later centuries. B.C. The Phoenicians were astute naval architects. They lowered the platforms where the oarsmen were seated (crinolines) which increased vessel stability. The battering ram was covered in bronze. The decorative poop was bent and resembled the tail of a scorpion. The balustrade of the battle platform was covered with the shields of warriors, the bireme was therefore partially covered in a primitive 'armor'. These war biremes were typically 30 meters in length and 5 meters wide. Phoenicians were the finest seamen of their time, and were often employed as mercenaries by other nation-states.

Resolution is 587 x 383 pixels, 300 dpi for the digital file available for commercial license. This digital file has been edited and enhanced, the unrestored digital file is available upon request.

Single Use, Single Project License for Phoenician War Galley is $USD150.00

Unlimited Reproduction with Assignment of Copyright License for Phoenician War Galley is $USD600.00

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