The trireme was the chief warship of the ancient world, used in great numbers by the Phoenicians, Romans and Greeks. Although evidence of their design and construction is extremely limited, the knowledge that they lasted approximately twenty years indicates they were built with care and diligence, despite pushing classical technology to its limits. The trireme was exposed to staggeringly punishing conditions on the waves and in battle. One method that was devised by Athenians to help their vessels cope was the use of 'hypozomata', or binding wires. These were thick cables rigged under the hull (a process known as 'frapping') and drawn taught to help brace the ship, particularly when ramming. Hypozomata were considered a state secret in Athens, and exporting them was considered a capital offense.
