Corvus (boarding device)

The corvus (Latin for "crow" or "raven") was a Roman ship mounted boarding ramp or drawbridge for naval boarding, first introduced during the First Punic War in sea battles against Carthage. The name is figurative after the beak-like iron hook that is said to have sat at the far end of the bridge, intended to anchor the enemy ship. The corvus was still used during the last years of the Republic. Appian mentions it being used on August 11th 36BC, during the battle of Mylae, by Octavian's navy led by Marcus Agrippa against the navy of Sextus Pompeius led by Papias.