How exactly did naval power in pre-Age of Sail Mediterranean affect the region?

by stoner_cough

I'm looking for battles, how they were fought, and basically who had power when, why, and how it helped/hindered development of the region. This stuff is interesting to me, for whatever reason.

davidAOP

When you say "pre-Age of Sail" in the Mediterranean, you mean when oar-powered vessels where prevalent, like galleys? We are talking age of the ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Roman powers right?