Naval Warfare

Happen to know any good sources on the eponymous subject in Antiquity? Anything related to it, really: strategy; tactics; technology; economics; battle experience; etc.

If you were to share some sources, particularly those focusing on Greek and Hellenistic navies, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks. :bow:

Hans van Wees' "Greek Warfare: Myths & Realities" has a section dealing with the organization and development of Greek (but not Hellenistic) navies. I am not sure if it's the best book to start with, though.

Thucydides has several interesting sections on naval warfare inculding information on pay, recruitment etc.

Covers a period a bit before EB's timeframe though...

Oh, and of course herodotus on the battle of salamis, for a more "action focused" approach.

Ah, I should have been more specific.

The ancient sources I already know of, so I'm looking for secondary works like the van Wees book Ludens mentioned. :yes:

You could try Lords of the Sea by John Hale. It's about the Athenian Navy. It wasn't spectacular, but is a worthwhile read for this subject, I thought.

Lionel Casson's "Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World". The book uses a large number of archaeological, graphical and literary sources to trace the history of ancient seamanship. It has several chapters dedicated to Hellenistic navies, equipment, battle and crew.

General Aetius