Studio Comments: "Warships largely disappeared in Europe during the Dark Ages because no civilization other than the Byzantines possessed the wealth and organization necessary for maintaining any sort of navy. As the centuries passed, a few small warships again appeared in the Western Mediterranean. These were oar-powered galleys used primarily for scouting and chasing down pirates that plagued sea trade. Marines that could board an enemy ship and archers supplied fighting power. The best warships in the West were built and maintained by the Byzantines, who alone had carried on their shipbuilding traditions since ancient times."

War Galley: This is a better version available in the Castle Age. It is stronger and more durable. It is likewise good against demolition ships.

Studio Comments: "The war galley was a larger and improved fighting ship. It carried a larger contingent of marines and archers. When necessary, the equivalent of a war galley was created by putting fighting towers at the stern and bow of trading ship. These provided better protection and a height advantage for archers when closed with an enemy ship."

Galleon: The galleon becomes the basic warship when you advance another age, filling the shoes of the galley. It is more powerful and more durable.

Studio Comments: "The galleon was a sailing ship outfitted for war, the largest fighting ship used in the West prior to the mounting of cannons on board. This was a large and sturdy ship, carrying a large contingent of fighting men, and possibly some heavier siege artillery. The crew would attempt to board and capture an enemy ship in hand-to-hand fighting. Catapults or large crossbows provided additional firepower."

Cannon Galleon: The cannon galleon must be researched before it can be built, but it packs a huge wallop and has great range. It is perfect for shore bombardments. It has a minimum range, though, and a slower rate of fire than the galleon. It can be upgraded to the elite cannon galleon, which is an even better version. Both versions are vulnerable to fire ships and demolition ships.

Studio Comments: "Primitive cannons were first mounted on ships in the14th century. These were mounted in the stern or bow for firing forward or aft. Small weapons were mounted on the rails for use against enemy crews in close action. The first ship built specifically for carrying cannons appeared in 1406. Effectively mounting a large number of cannons on a ship took many years to work out. It required new designs to compensate for the enormous weight of the guns high on the ship's sides. Tackle had to be designed to allow the guns to be fired and reloaded safely. Safe procedures were also needed for storing and accessing powder. Useful cannon galleons did not appear until late in the Middle Ages."

Next: Conclusion