I remember watching documentary about Battle of Actium and it mentions that rowers are professional and non-slaves who draws salaries. Before the battle the commanders had to persuade them to go into the conflict. Can anyone verify this? Thank you.
Yes, it's true. The social class they were drawn from was called the Thetes, it was the lowest class, but they were free men and enjoyed some political representation and had recognition by the Athenian Constitution. The manipulation of the rower's guild (it had a specific name I cannot remember) was an incredibly important political football for the ruling elite. Refusal of the rowers to co-operate would severely hamper the navy.