ROMAN NAVAL RANKS
The Roman navy, while often overshadowed by the legions, was a vital component of the Roman military. Its ranks were structured to ensure efficient command and control of its fleets.
At the apex of the naval hierarchy stood the Praefectus Classis, a high-ranking officer responsible for the overall command of a fleet. Beneath him, the Navarchus commanded squadrons of ships, while the Triarchus captained individual vessels.
The crew of a Roman galley was a diverse group, each member playing a crucial role. The Remiges, the rowers, provided the ship's propulsion. Their efforts were overseen by the Centurio Navalis, a naval centurion, and his second-in-command, the Optio Navalis. The Gubernator, the helmsman, steered the ship's course.
As the Roman Empire expanded, so too did its navy, evolving into a powerful force that protected Roman trade routes and projected its power across the Mediterranean. The ranks and roles within the navy adapted to these changes, ensuring the continued effectiveness of this vital arm of the Roman military.