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.
For young readers
Book data: Open Library