When we think of naval warfare, images of massive battleships equipped with powerful cannons come to mind. But what about stern cannons? Did ships have them?
The short answer is yes. Stern cannons were commonly used in naval warfare throughout history, particularly during the age of sail. These cannons were situated at the back, or stern, of a ship and aimed directly at pursuing vessels. They were smaller than the main deck guns and could be quickly reloaded, making them ideal for keeping an enemy at bay while the ship maneuvered to a more advantageous position.
In fact, the use of stern cannons dates back to ancient times. Roman warships were often equipped with a single stern-mounted cannon, which was known as a girolata. This weapon was used to shoot arrows and other projectiles at enemy vessels.
During the age of sail, there were typically two types of stern cannons: chasers and carronades. Chasers were long guns that were similar to the main deck guns, but smaller. They were typically used to fire a few shots at a pursuing vessel before the ship could maneuver into a more favorable position.
Carronades, on the other hand, were shorter cannons that were designed for close-range engagements. They were often used to lay down a withering barrage of fire on an enemy vessel that was attempting to board or overwhelm the ship. Carronades were devastating at close range, but their short range and limited accuracy made them less useful at longer distances.
While stern cannons were a common feature on naval vessels through the 19th century, they eventually fell out of favor in the early 20th century as ships became faster and more maneuverable. Modern naval warfare relied more on long-range artillery and torpedoes, which made stern cannons less effective. Today, stern cannons are mostly used for ceremonial purposes, as they have been replaced by more advanced weapons systems.
Yes, ships did have stern cannons, and they were an important part of naval warfare throughout history. From ancient girolatas to 19th-century carronades, these weapons helped ships defend themselves against pursuing vessels and engage in close-range combat. While they may no longer be a practical weapon in modern naval warfare, stern cannons remain an important part of naval history.