Dromon

The Dromone (Greek δρόμων, runners ' ) was a warship of the Byzantine navy from the 6th to the 12th century.

The ship -based with approximately the same dimensions on the Greek trireme. In contrast to this it had above the other two of oars and thus not reach the maximum speed of the ship with Greek three levels. The ship with 100 belt and fifty rowers in two levels on each side could be moved even by inexperienced rowers in contrast to the Greek trireme. To assist in longer journeys sails were used.

In the 10th century Dromone had a deck fort and an up to 300 -strong crew, was up to 50 m long and 5.5 m wide. In battle, the ship could a speed of about 7 knots ( 13 km / h), however, the construction required presumably favorable weather conditions.

The main armament of the Dromone was next to a small battering ram by means of the Catapults faded or sprayed from siphons Greek fire, which was first in the siege of Constantinople Opel ( 674-678 ) were used. Later Dromone were also armed with catapults.

The Dromone was also used together with the smaller Pamphile, which was introduced in the 9th century in the Byzantine fleet.