Byzantine naval warfare

Byzantine naval warfare, active from the 4th to 15th centuries, involved a mix of strategic agility and technological innovation. The Byzantines used large warships called dromons equipped with reinforced hulls, rams, and sometimes fire-starting devices. They relied on swift, maneuverable vessels for patrols, raids, and defending Constantinople’s waterways. Tactics included ramming, boarding, and using fire ships to disrupt enemy fleets. The navy also played a crucial role in controlling trade routes and safeguarding the empire’s territories across the Mediterranean. Their naval dominance fluctuated over centuries, but they excelled in combining advanced ship design, coordinated maneuvers, and supply networks to maintain maritime strength.