Did Greeks, Romans, and Persians normally use enslaved rowers in their warships?
Short answerNot as the usual classical model; trained free or freed auxiliary rowers were safer and more effective than a chained crew able to revolt during combat.
NotesRowers formed the propulsion system and had to remain well fed and physically fit. Enslaving that workforce created a danger that enemy boarders could release and arm it against the ship's own soldiers. Going ashore to eat and rest each night would also create repeated guarding and escape problems. Roman practice is described in terms of freeing men for auxiliary rowing service. Claims about Persian slave crews are qualified because Greek accounts are said to conflict with Persian evidence and contain propaganda. The familiar image of slave galleys is associated with later periods, when different weapons and methods of controlling crews changed the risks.