The strength behind the naval domination of the Athenians in the Aegean in the fifth century B.C.E. was the trireme, a slender vessel that traveled under sail to its destination but was powered by oars during naval battles.
Egejas jūrā valdīja Atēnas, kuru jūras spēkus veidoja triēras — slaidas formas burukuģi, ko kaujās virzīja uz priekšu airi.