"Naval warfare is combat in and on the sea, the ocean, or any other battlespace involving a major body of water such as a large lake or wide river."
This topic looks at how ancient armies fought at sea and the development of naval technology such as boats, ships, and sea walls. It also covers naval tactics and strategies, such as blockades and amphibious assaults.
Types of ships and vessels: Understanding the different types of ships and vessels used in naval warfare, including triremes, biremes, galleys, and convoys.
Naval tactics and strategies: Learning about naval warfare tactics and strategies employed by ancient naval leaders such as Themistocles and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Naval battles and sieges: Studying the most significant naval battles throughout history, such as the Battle of Salamis and the Siege of Constantinople.
Naval technology: Understanding the evolution of naval technology, from the use of oars and sails to the development of cannons and torpedoes.
Naval logistics: The importance of logistics in naval warfare and ensuring the steady flow of supplies such as food, water, and ammunition.
Naval hierarchy: Understanding the organization and hierarchy of ancient naval forces, including the role of admirals, captains, and crew.
Naval weapons: Learning about the different weapons used in naval warfare, including bow and arrows, javelins, and the naval ram.
Navigation and cartography: Understanding the importance of navigation and cartography in ancient naval battles and the development of modern seafaring.
Naval doctrine: Understanding the doctrine and principles that guide naval warfare, including the role of intelligence, reconnaissance, and deception.
Maritime law: Studying the laws that governed naval warfare, such as the laws of war and the laws of the sea.
Ramming: This involved using the ship's prow to strike an enemy vessel with enough force to damage or sink it.
Boarding: This involved the crew of one ship attacking and attempting to seize control of an enemy vessel by physically boarding it.
Greek Fire: The Byzantine Empire developed this form of naval warfare, which involved deploying a flammable liquid that would stick to an enemy ship and ignite.
Archery and Marksmanship: Archers and other ranged attackers would try to hit targets on the enemy ship from a distance, damaging or killing enemy crew members.
Siege Tactics: This type of warfare was designed to help control strategic ports and anchorages. It involved cutting off supplies and creating blockades to weaken the enemy's ability to fight.
Trenching: This was a tactic that involved digging a trench around an enemy ship to prevent escape or reinforcements from arriving.
Silent Running: This type of warfare was used by Ancient Greek and Roman ships, who sailed quietly and used oars to avoid detection as they approached an enemy ship. This enabled them to get close enough to launch a surprise attack.
Raids and Piracy: This was a type of naval warfare that involved attacking and plundering enemy ships or coastal settlements.
Amphibious Assaults: This involved naval forces landing troops on enemy shores, often with the aid of small boats or amphibious vehicles.
Cruise Warfare: This form of naval warfare involved slowly cruising around an enemy's territory, harassing and disrupting their trade and shipping routes.
"Battles have been fought on water for more than 3,000 years."
"The armed forces branch designated for naval warfare is a navy."
"Naval operations can be broadly divided between riverine and littoral applications (brown-water navy), open-ocean applications (blue-water navy), and something in between (green-water navy)."
"Although these distinctions are more about strategic scope than tactical or operational division."
"The strategic offensive purpose of naval warfare is projection of force by water."
"The strategic defensive purpose of naval warfare is to frustrate the similar projection of force by enemies."
"A brown-water navy represents riverine and littoral applications."
"A blue-water navy represents open-ocean applications."
"A green-water navy represents something in between riverine/littoral and open-ocean applications."
"The primary battlespace for naval warfare is the sea, ocean, or any other major body of water."
"The purpose of a navy is to engage in naval warfare."
"Naval warfare projects force by water."
"The main objective of naval operations is the projection of force by water."
"Naval warfare has been a significant aspect of military history for over 3,000 years."
"The key divisions within naval operations are based on strategic scope."
"The three broad categories of naval operations are riverine/littoral, open-ocean, and green-water applications."
"The categories of naval operations are differentiated based on the type of waters they operate in."
"Naval warfare contributes to a nation's defensive capabilities by frustrating the projection of force by enemies."
"The purpose of naval warfare is to engage in combat and projection of force in and on the water."