Naval strategy in the Peloponnesian War Trireme

a schematic view of circular kyklos formation have looked above.

squadrons of triremes employed variety of tactics. periplous (gk., sailing around ) involved outflanking or encircling enemy attack them in vulnerable rear; diekplous (gk., sailing out through ) involved concentrated charge break hole in enemy line, allowing galleys break through , wheel attack enemy line behind; , kyklos (gk., circle ) , mēnoeidēs kyklos (gk. half-circle ; literally, moon-shaped (i.e. crescent-shaped) circle ), defensive tactics employed against these manoeuvres. in of these manoeuvres, ability accelerate faster, row faster, , turn more sharply 1 s enemy important.

athens strength in peloponnesian war came navy, whereas sparta s came land-based hoplite army. war progressed spartans came realize if undermine pericles strategy of outlasting peloponnesians remaining within walls of athens indefinitely (a strategy made possible athens long walls , fortified port of piraeus), going have athens superior naval force. once sparta gained persia ally, had funds necessary construct new naval fleets necessary combat athenians. sparta able build fleet after fleet, destroying athenian fleet @ battle of aegospotami. spartan general brasidas summed difference in approach naval warfare between spartans , athenians: athenians relied on speed , maneuverability on open seas ram @ clumsier ships; in contrast, peloponnesian armada might win when fought near land in calm , confined waters, had greater number of ships in local theater, , if better-trained marines on deck , hoplites on shore turn sea battle contest of infantry. in addition, compared high-finesse of athenian navy (superior oarsmen outflank , ram enemy triremes side), spartans (as allies , other enemies of athens) focus on ramming athenian triremes head on. these tactics, in combination outlined brasidas, led defeat of athenian fleet @ second battle of syracuse during sicilian expedition.