A Byzantine fresco showing a dromon The Dromons (from Greek "runner") were the most important warships of the Byzantine navy. They were developed from the ancient trireme and were usually propelled by both oar and sail.
They could be built in many shapes and sizes and could be as long as 50 meters long and 5 meters wide, carrying up to 300 men (both fighting mariness and rowers).
The dromons had a central tower (xylokastron = wooden castle) near the main mast, from which the marines could use their bow and arrows or throw spears or various projectiles.
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