Also - it was only used in early Roman vessels - by the end of the first #PunicWar it was being replaced by the #harpax - harpoon/winch system.

#Polybius describes this device(the Corvus) as a bridge 1.2 m (4 ft) wide and 10.9 m (36 ft) long, with a small parapet on both sides. There was a heavy spike shaped like a bird's beak on the underside of the device, which was designed to pierce and anchor into an enemy ship's deck

#Roman #NavalWarfare #MilitaryHistory #PunicWar #Corvus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvus_(boarding_device)