The Athenian fleet that set out to attack Syracuse in 415 BCE was a large and powerful force. It consisted of around 134 triremes, which were the primary warships of the time. These ships were powered by both sail and oars, and were equipped with bronze rams on the front for ramming and sinking enemy ships. The fleet also included smaller support ships and transport vessels for troops and supplies. The fleet was commanded by a group of generals, with Alcibiades, Nicias and Lamachus being the most prominent among them. The expedition was intended to be a major offensive against the powerful city-state of Syracuse and its allies, with the goal of extending Athenian control over Sicily.