Seas and Oceans

Mediterranean and Inland Seas

Enclosed and nearly enclosed seas and their trade.

The History of the Dhow

How the lateen-rigged dhow developed, from sewn-plank hulls to nailed construction, and how it carried cargo on the monsoon from Arabia to East Africa and India.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Adriatic

How Venice and Ragusa dominated the Adriatic, from galley warfare and the Uskok raiders to the sea's role as a medieval trade corridor linking Italy and the Balkans.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Baltic

From Viking-age river routes to Hanseatic cogs and the naval rivalry of Denmark, Sweden and Russia, a history of Hanseatic Baltic trade and the sea's changing powers.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Black Sea

A history of Black Sea ports from Greek colonies and Genoese trading stations to Ottoman control, the Straits and the sea as a Russian naval theatre.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Caspian Sea

How Caspian shipping developed in a closed sea: Volga trade links, Baku oil and early tankers, sturgeon fisheries, and the sea in Russian and Persian history.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the North Sea

A history of the North Sea herring trade, Dutch and English rivalry, wreck-prone coasts and the later shipping, oil and wind industries of this busy shelf sea.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Persian Gulf

How the Gulf became a hub linking Mesopotamia, India and East Africa, from Dilmun and dhow trade to the pearl diving fleets and the oil tanker age.

4 min read

The Maritime History of the Red Sea

A history of Red Sea navigation from Pharaonic Punt voyages and Roman Indian trade to pilgrim and spice routes and the transformation caused by the Suez Canal.

4 min read

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