Kyklos

• The Kyklos, meaning ‘to circle’, was a Tactic used by War Galleys in the Ancient World.

Description

• Aim:
  • Defence when outnumbered or overtaken.
• Method:
  • Galleys form a defensive circle with Prows facing outwards, to avoid presenting their sides. The Enemy can only circle, but is unable to use the Periplus or the Diekplus.
• Counter:
  • The Diekplus: If the circling Galleys then formed into line astern and tried to smash through the ring, to counter the Diekplus, the Kyklos would have 3 to 5 vessels inside the circle, waiting for a Galley to come through and expose its sides.

Other Tactics

• Diekplus (‘to break through’)
• Periplus (‘to sail around’)