Mare Nostrum

Introduction

People who enjoy reading about ancient Rome are fascinated by the strength and capabilities of the Roman Legions. Perhaps not so much of the brilliance of Rome’s generals, but the capacity of 5,000 to 6,000 men advancing 50 miles in a single day, establishing a well-defended bivouac, tearing it down the next morning, and then marching another 50 miles — is nothing short of extraordinary.[1]

Of all the things we know (or think we know) about the ancient world, there is one aspect of that history we know very little about — the Roman Navy. Even considering eight hundred years of faithful service to Rome, modern historians know far more about Rome’s legions than they do its Navy. It is a sad fact because Rome’s navy was the instrument through which the Republic (and later the Empire) transformed the Mediterranean Sea into Mare Nostrum…