# War Galley: Naval Warfare in the Ancient World

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1999
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #6873
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 360 min
- **Weight**: 3.13 / 5
- **Designers**: Mark Herman, Richard H. Berg
- **Artists**: Mark Simonitch, Mike Lemick, Rodger B. MacGowan
- **Publishers**: GMT Games
- **Categories**: Ancient, Nautical, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Line of Sight, Simulation

## Verdict
War Galley is a treat for those who love naval history and want to experience ancient Mediterranean tactics. The GBoH series shines here through accessibility, offering a robust wargame that doesn't require entire days to play. It's a tense, strategic experience, perfect for intense duels.Leaner rules than the seriesCovers iconic historical battlesFaithful tactical naval simulationVery reasonable playtimeStrictly for two playersRequires interest in historical simulationHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
If you've ever wanted to command a fleet of triremes in the ancient Mediterranean, War Galley is your port of call. As the seventh volume in the acclaimed Great Battles of History (GBoH) series, this game brings naval combat into the spotlight, standing as one of the few titles focused exclusively on this type of warfare in the last two decades. What makes War Galley special is that it manages to be historically deep without drowning you in endless manuals. The rules are surprisingly leaner than other games in the series, allowing you to resolve epic battles in just a few hours. The game covers an impressive range of historical scenarios, from the Ionian Revolt and the Peloponnesian War to the famous Punic Wars and Roman civil battles. You'll experience varied tactics: from the classic line-versus-line clash at Salamis, through the chase-and-turn maneuvers at Chios, to unusual formations like the Roman arrowhead against Carthaginian lines at Drepanum. It's a masterclass in naval strategy that puts you in control of ancient warships, testing your skill in "chase, turn, and fight" maneuvers. If you're a fan of wargames that seek rigorous historical simulation but value a playtime that won't consume your entire weekend, War Galley is an essential addition to your shelf.

## FAQ
### How many players are needed?
War Galley is strictly a two-player game, perfect for a strategic head-to-head duel.

### How long does a game take?
The game is well-optimized, with sessions lasting around 6 hours, which is quite concise for complex wargames.

### Is it difficult to learn?
It features leaner rules than other titles in the Great Battles of History series, making it a great entry point into the system.

### Is the game luck-heavy?
Like any good wargame, it uses dice for combat resolution, but strategy and hex positioning are what truly determine the winner.

### What historical periods are included?
You'll find scenarios ranging from the Ionian Revolt to the Roman Civil Wars, including the Punic Wars.