How realistic are the enslaved galley rowers shown in Ben-Hur?
Short answerThe image is misleading for fighting galleys: marines needed to board the enemy and rowers needed freedom of movement. Conditional freedom for donated slaves is the interpretation favoured here.
NotesEnslaved rowers may occasionally have been used, but the familiar film image creates practical problems for a fighting galley. Marines crossing the corvus to board an enemy could not simultaneously guard a hostile rowing crew. Chains would restrict the movement needed for complicated rowing. Freedom conditional on service is the interpretation favoured for the enslaved people donated to Rome's fleet.