navies
naviesThe oldest navy in the ancient world was probably that of the Egyptian pharaohs. Very little is known about Egyptian naval development, however, until the dynasty known as the Saites (672–525 BC), one of whom, Necho II (610–595), reorganized the navy to protect Egyptian interests against the Babylonians. The introduction of triremes, probably under Amasis (570–526), further strengthened Egypt's navy prior to the Persian conquest.
The Persian navy was created under Cambyses (530–522). It utilized triremes and was crewed by the king's maritime subjects, arranged in territorial or ethnic squadrons (e.g. Egyptians, Phoenicians, Ionians). During much of the 5th cent. bc this navy fought in the eastern Mediterranean against the Greek city-states, led by Athens, whose ships were crewed by her citizens and subject allies. From the battle of Salamis (480) to the battle of Aegospotami (405) the...
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