‘Trireme’ is derived from trierês, meaning ‘three-fitted’ referring to the three banks or tiers of oars. It was an ancient light-weight Athenian warship powered by 200 people. It included 170 rowers, 10 hoplites, 4 archers and 16 crew members. The trireme was described as the greyhound of the seas as it was designed to achieve maximum speed and maneuverability. It was also angled with a bronze ram to sink enemy ships.