The Sea and History (Wolfson College Lectures, 1995)

The Sea and History brings together distinguished experts in the fields of maritime archaeology, ancient history and modern history to provide a unique overview of the relationship between man and the sea from Roman times to the present day.In his opening essay Geoffrey Rickman gives a comprehensive overview of the physical characteristics of the Mediterranean and its importance in Graeco-Roman times. Elisha Linder also demonstrates the importance of the sea in ancient times by examining various myths and legends about the sea in ancient societies, showing how man overcame feelings of mystery and fear and developed an ability to master the oceans on long-distance voyages. Nic Flemming shows how physical changes in sea levels have had wide-ranging effects on settlement patterns along the shoreline, on the location of harbours and on the development of commercial ports, while the vexed question of extant marine resources makes Anthony Laughton's examination of marine resources from antiquity to the present day particularly topical. Sean McGrail discusses various types of ancient and medieval ships and the different methods of ship construction used by peoples in many seas, and A.J. Parker gives a fascinating account of maritime trade in the ancient Mediterranean.Bringing the subject of man and the sea forward from antiquity, Sarah Arenson considers the theme of medieval navigation and exploration, emphasizing the fact that seafaring expertise did not decline after the days of the great naval and maritime fleets of antiquity. Admiral Sir James Eberle brings us to the modern day with an assessment of the development of the command of sea power in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and finally, the eminent military historian John Keegan brings the sea and history back to British shores, showing how the sea has always held a particular importance and fascination for this island nation.The nine papers in this volume were given at the 1995 Wolfson College Lectures and are published here for the first time.