Light Galleys (1)

 The following is an update of my work on a new chapter. 

Due to all sorts of distractions, I continue assessing the data on light galleys. The good news is that I will finish the evaluation soon. I skip the material concerning other matters and concentrate all my findings in a single file for further consideration. I also decided to make an exclusive vocabulary in this chapter to facilitate possible corrections. 

I still have reservations about the scope of the material. Most of the things I collect cite the same facts in a new manner. I will decide later which version is preferable or will make a mix. I may save some of these repetitions for the concluding section of my paper. I will also reduce citations. Sometimes, I can paraphrase the idea since the original one is not so bright (at least, in English translation). In other cases, I will look for an original citation instead of citing secondary sources. 

At this stage, I also check the value of some facts. For example, several medieval authors mention binding galleys with cables as a guarantee of a strict battle formation. It seems unbelievable since in confined spaces, where most naval battles occurred, this measure would lead to a lack of maneuverability, with some oared ships running aground and others colliding. The galley flexibility was one of its main advantages, and fleet commanders must have realized it. 

Another topic I concentrate on is  using ports as supply stations and shelters. Galleys depended on ports because of their limited operational ranges. The East Roman Empire held sway on large parts of the Mediterranean as long as it had naval bases on the islands and coastlines. The rise of the Arab fleets led to the seizure of the major islands, which they used as refueling stations in raiding the European shores. Then, the Crusaders captured the Levantine littoral, depriving the Fatimid navy of the freedom of action and exposing Egyptian waterfront to harassments.

Similar tactics define the engagement of the fleets during Genoese-Venetian wars, Ottoman-Venetian wars, and the struggle to control North African outposts between Spain and the Porte.