The Hellenistic Navy refers to the maritime forces that emerged during the Hellenistic period, which followed the conquests of Alexander the Great. This era, from the late 4th century BCE to the 1st century BCE, saw the expansion of Greek culture and influence across the Mediterranean and Near East. Major naval powers included the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt and the Seleucid Empire, which utilized their fleets for trade, military campaigns, and territorial control. Naval warfare during this time involved large triremes and other warships designed for speed and maneuverability. The Hellenistic Navy played a crucial role in battles such as the Battle of Salamis and contributed to the dominance of Greek city-states over maritime trade routes. The advancements in shipbuilding and naval tactics during this period laid the groundwork for future naval developments in the Roman Empire.