Cannon transform medieval fighting at sea

Medieval sea fighting carried land-warfare methods onto the water and sought height for archers, infantry, and boarding parties. Reliable cast-bronze cannon changed when and how boarding happened because gunfire could clear an enemy deck before troops crossed. Hull stability, maneuverability, speed, and gun placement became central design concerns for purpose-built warships. Artillery still supported boarding during this hybrid era, while the ship developed into a weapon platform in its own right.