Rome

Roman ships were built out of cedar, a durable, red-coloured wood
Roman ships were heavy and could not be blown off course easily, should the ship be presented with unfavourable weather
Roman ships were also designed to make use of soldiers, but could also ram enemy ships, like the expert seafarers of the Greek navy.
were propelled by oars
The Roman approach to ship movement was: "just give me a ship good enough to do the job." (...