It's derived from the design and depictions of Hellenistic warships. Based on the ship's outline, the protrusions of the oars, literary descriptions, and the number of rowers assigned, there are only so many possibilities for seating.

[–] autonomoususer@lemmy.world 5 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

They did not change to higher seats for higher water when carrying heavier cargo?

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 18 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Rowing ships like this were usually warships, so cargo was of minimal concern. Merchant ships usually relied on sails.

[–] autonomoususer@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

They don't carry like ammo, war machines, siege equipment? I guess I don't know how heavy that would be or how much it would take to weigh down a ship.

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago

Supplies would've been carried separately, generally by merchant ships pressed into service, while war machines and siege equipment would've generally been constructed on-site by the land forces. Warships were made to fight other ships on the sea. Ramming and boarding were their purposes, above all. Sometimes light siege weapons and archer platforms were affixed.