Bireme

• The Bireme was a two banked war vessel introduced in the 6th century BCE.
• They were operated by the Greek Navy and by the Roman Navy.

In Ancient Greece

• The Bireme was the next development in Ancient Greece from the Pentecontor, which appeared around the 6th century BCE having two banks of oars in stead of the Pentecontor’s one bank.
• The Bireme was approximately 80 feet (24m) long by 10 feet (3m) wide with around 120 rowers.
• It eventually led to the development of a third bank of oars called the Trireme.

In the Roman Navy

• After the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, the Bireme became the vessel of choice for the Roman Navy and it was called the Liburnian.
• The Naval Fleets of the Classis Misenensis and the Classis Ravennas, both operated large numbers of Liburnians.