03-25-2014, 07:22 PM
Quote: I wonder if anyone has read anything with the Romans using biremes or other craft for ranged weapon support during a conflict. I currently have a Scorpio along with Syrian archers on the bireme providing indirect fire support. Am I somewhat in the ballpark on the historical record here or am I giving Hollywood a good run for their money??
Yes, we do have relevant evidence. Some examples :
At the battle between the troops of Septimius Severus under Tiberius Claudius Candidus and those of Pescennius Niger, there was a lake nearby where men from ships discharged missiles (Dio, 74.6.5.)
Pompeius Magnus once supported Julius Caesar in this manner (Polyaenus, 8.23.13).
At the battle of Thermopylae against the Gauls of Brennus, Athenian triremes sailed close to the coast and supported the infantry (Pausanias, 10.21.4)
