The general and politician, Cimon, made many improvements to Athenai’s fleet during its war against Persia. By the time the Peloponnesian War broke out, its naval technology was much advanced. Following the climactic Battle of Salamis, in which he fought, Cimon set about recapturing former Greek territory in Asia Minor from the Persians. Knowing that he was greatly outnumbered by the Persian navy, Cimon had 200 hundred triremes constructed to be not only swift and manoeuvrable, but also broader and with improved access. This enabled them to carry many more hoplite marines than was previously the case. Despite their numbers, the Greeks would achieve victory by boarding and capture, overwhelming the Persian ships with sheer numbers.
