Category details
Categorygalleys
Alternative termsgalley
SourceArt & Architecture Thesaurus
Overview
Use generally for oared fighting ships, principally of the Mediterranean, in operation from the Early Bronze Age until the 18th century CE; most commonly with numerous oars on one or several decks and equipped with a ram with which to damage and sink enemy vessels. For post-18th century steamships equipped with an armored prow as a primary weapon, use "rams."