Trireme
in classical antiquity, a galley or vessel having three ranks or benches of oars on each side, a common class of war ship among the ancient Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, etc. They were also provided with large square sails, which could be raised during a fair wind, to relieve the rowers. When two ships engaged, if tolerably well matched, the great object aimed at by each was, TRISTAN DA CUNHA either by running up suddenly alongside of the enemy, to sweep away or disable a large number of his oars, or, by bearing down at speed, to drive the beak full into his side or quarter, in which case the planks were generally stove in, and the vessel went down. But if one of the parties was so decidedly inferior in seamanship as to be unable to cope with his antagonist in such maneuvers, he endeavored, as he approached, to grapple with him, and then the result was decided, as on land, by the numbers and bravery of the combatants.