Missile Hepteres, Syrian Heavy Archers

Description

An arms race in warship size developed between the various nations around the Mediterranean. Size, in terms of the number of rowers, ships length and bulk and above all majesty of the vessel became as much a tool of statecraft as of warfare. A people who could afford such ships were almost certainly rich enough to withstand the strains of any war. A 'four' or quadreme was still a handy warship, able to manoeuvre in battle. The same could not be said of some of the large polyremes, a word meaning many oars. Practical archaeology shows that too many banks of oars simply don't work, so polyreme probably referred to the number of rowers: a septireme is likely to have had some seven rowers per bank of three oars, arranged in three, three, and two to an oar going up from the waterline. King Demetius of Macedon led his fleet at the battle of Salamis in 306BC from the deck of a hepteres or 'seven', but his ambitions didn't stop there. Neither did those of other kingdoms, and later lumbering warships including 'elevens', 'thirteens' and larger. As bigger ships to carry more rowers such vessels could also carry big marine contingents, arrow towers and an array of useful artillery.

Massed in large numbers, eastern archers can inflict heavy casualties, and the composite bows they carry afford them greater range, accuracy and power than many of their western counterparts. Constructed from a combination of wood, sinew and animal horn, the composite bow was far more effective than the traditional wooden or 'self' bow. As its core offered greater flexibility, allowing the archer to draw its string back further and achieve a great range and power, the composite bow could find a target up to 35 metres away and pierce chainmail armour. Requiring great strength and stamina to use well, the composite bow demanded respect, care and attention. As military campaigns were often fought during the summer and autumn months, archers could rest their weapons during the winter - reconditioning the bodies before restringing and tensioning for future use.