Periplus Manoevre

• The Periplus was a Tactic used by War Galleys in the Ancient World.

Description

• Aim:
  • ‘Periplus’ meant ‘to sail around’. The attacking Galley must outflank the Enemy, and get into a position where the Galley could use its Ram against the enemy Galley’s vulnerable sides.
• Method:
  • Both opposing Fleets line up In a horizontal line. The centre was protected, but the wings were vulnerable. By outflanking the wings, the sides of the outflanked enemy vessels became exposed. And if they turned to face the outflanking Galley, their sides were still vulnerable to the other Galleys.
• Counter:
  • If outnumbered and outflanked, the Galleys must form into a Kyklos or defensive circle.

Other Galley Tactics

• Diekplus (‘to break through’)

• Kyklos (‘to circle’)