The naval Battle of Salamis was part of the Forth War Of The Diadochi. It took place in 306 BC near Salamis, Cyprus between the fleets of Ptolemy I of Egypt and Demetrius. The battle was a complete victory for Demetrius, and resulted in his capture of Cyprus.

First, the enemies fought by arrow shots and spinning off of stones from their ballistae. After the ships clashed together, the boarding combat was taken, and on both sides the regular warriors were reinforced by the rowing crews of their ships. As it was customary in the ancient naval warfare, the battle was characterised by the frequent use of the hitting ram. Finally Demetrios managed to smash with his left wing, the formation of the opposite right wing of Ptolemy and to sink his ships, capture or rout. Thus he won the tactical advantage , since he was now able to surround the centre of the enemy. Demetrios had enough ships on his wings to make the outflanking far enough that he was even able to surround the enemy transport ships. With its centre following the movement he proceeded to push the fleet of Ptolemy against the coast of Cyprus, which was equal to an fatal blow.

While on the opposite side of Ptolemy on his left wing also could make the fight against his opponent victorious, he recognised the impending development, as his fleet was forced into increasing in-maneuverability due to the coast. Moreover, his formation was about to dissolute, as Demetrius and his wings could destroy them from the right flank. Aware of the impending doom Ptolemy ordered his flagship to flee to Kition and ultimately gave Demetrius a clear overall victory in this important battle of this war.

Almost simultaneously, the 60 ships of Menelaus succeeded under the command of Menoitios to break the blockade of the port. But they reached the battle only after it was too late and therefore returned immediately back to Salamis.