Roman Galleys where less agile than the greek trireme, but were still a powerful weapon in times of war, which was often enough for the Romans. There were merchant ships also, which ferried goods to and from the empire carrying spices, wine and beer, sheep, oxen, cows, and slaves. These ships date from 264 B.C.
A Roman War Galley had 18-24 rowers a side with three rowers abreast. There where also sleeping quarters and cargo holds in the bottom. On the deck of the ship there where two small castle towers where you could search for enemy ships and shoot with bows and arrows when under attack. The captain had a small room in the back of the ship where he could rest and eat. The other living quarters where in the hold where you slept on hammocks. The galley also had a ram in the front of the ship to punch holes in the enemies ships or fleet of ships.
The merchant ship had two decks of cargo holds and the upper deck was used for sleeping, steering, and unloading stuff. The sail was a square sail used during fair weather to get extra speed so it could go about 8 knots. The ship was steered by two oars on either side so it had more turning ability. The largest of the harbours was the one at Ostia. These ships where the best at sea battles for the Roman Empire and that is how they gained lots of land across the Mediterranean Sea.
-Captain Blogbeard
