The lemb, lembus or lembos (Ancient Greek: λέμβος, lembos;[1] Latin: lembus) was an ancient wide term covering a range of small ships, which were used for different purposes, both civilian and military.
It was a fast and maneuverable warship, capable of carrying 50 men in addition to the rowers.
[4] Illyrians used them at Medion under Agron, and at Elis, Messene, Phoenice, Issa, Epidamnus, Apollonia, Corcyra and Paxus under Teuta.
[7] The term λέμβος, lembos has been recorded in Classical sources since the 4th century BC onwards.
[11][10][12] The lembi were small ships used originally for civilian purposes, and thereafter adapted to warfare usages, with at least three sub-types:[13]