Reconstructions of quinqueremes, octeres, and larger galleys differ over how their rowers were arranged. More than three oar banks appear mechanically unlikely, and layouts with multiple people on individual oars fit the proposed hull dimensions better. Internal width and the space needed to work the oars limit the plausible arrangements. An octeres might carry about 200 heavy marines, archers, six ballistae, and possibly light auxiliaries, making it a high and difficult target to board.
Notable Point · 18:49-21:16
How ancient galley oar systems may have worked
A technical aside explains why names such as quinquereme probably described rowers per oar group rather than five vertical banks of oars.