The Seleucid Navy was the maritime force of the Seleucid Empire, which existed from 312 to 63 BCE. This empire was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great. The navy played a crucial role in protecting trade routes and maintaining control over the empire's coastal territories, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. The fleet consisted of various types of ships, including warships and merchant vessels. The Seleucid Navy faced challenges from rival powers, such as the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, and had to adapt to changing naval warfare tactics. Despite its importance, the navy eventually declined as the empire weakened.