A naval ram was a massive, costly bronze fitting made to unusually demanding standards. Producing enough of them limited how quickly a state could replace lost warships. Rome's metallurgical capacity helped it keep building new rams and returning to sea after defeats. A strike also endangered the attacker if the ram stuck in a sinking enemy hull. The fitting's shape was intended to smash and splinter planking while allowing withdrawal, although ships still became trapped.
Notable Point · 56:07-1:03:03
Bronze rams as an ancient naval superweapon
Recovered rams illustrate the risks of ramming and why Rome's ability to make replacements became a decisive advantage.