The penteconters emerged in an era when there was no distinction
between merchant and war ships. They were versatile, long-range
ships used for sea trade, piracy and warfare, capable of
transporting freight or troops. A penteconter was rowed by fifty
oarsmen, arranged in two rows of twenty five on each side of the
ship. A midship mast with sail could also propel the ship under
favourable wind. Penteconters were long and sharp-keeled ships,
hence described as long vessels (Greek: νῆες μακραί, nḗes
makraí). They typically lacked a full deck, therefore they were
also called unfenced vessels (Greek: ἄφρακτοι νῆες, áphraktoi
nḗes). According to some contemporary calculations, penteconters
are believed to have been between 28 and 33 meters long,
approximately 4 meters wide and capable of reaching a top speed
of 9 knots (18km/h). However, modern reconstructions of
penteconters as well as other ancient ship designs such as
triremes which were manned by modern untrained amateurs attained
that top speed fairly easily o