The Mediterranean in History
by David Abulafia
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Description
Contained in this history of the "Great Sea" are the stories of the birth of Western Civilization, the clash of warring faiths, and the rivalries of empires. David Abulafia leads a team of eight distinguished historians in an exploration of the great facts, themes and epochs of this region's history: the physical setting; the rivalry between Carthaginians, Greeks, and Etruscans for control of the sea routes; unification under Rome and the subsequent break up into Western Christendom, show more Byzantium, and Islam; the Crusades; commerce in medieval times; the Ottoman resurgence; the rivalry of European powers from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries; and the globalization of the region in the last century. The book departs from the traditional view of Mediterranean history, which placed emphasis on the overwhelming influences of physical geography on the molding of the region's civilizations. Instead, this new interpretation regards that physical context as a staging ground for decisive action, and at center stage are human catalysts at all levels of society-whether great kings and emperors, the sailors of medieval Amalfi, or the Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. The authors do more than simply catalogue the societies that developed in the region, but also describe how these groups interacted with one another across the sea, enjoying commercial and political ties as well as sharing ideas and religious beliefs. This richly illustrated book offers contemporary historical writing at its best and is sure to engage specialists, students, and general readers alike. show lessTags
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bellarush In June 1631 pirates from Algiers and armed troops of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, led by a Dutchman, stormed the little harbour village of Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland. They captured almost all the villagers and took them away to a life of slavery in North Africa. Some prisoners were destined to live out their days as galley slaves, while others would spend long years in the seclusion of the harem or within the walls of the Sultan's palace. Only two of them ever saw Ireland again. Here is the remarkable tale of an historical event known as 'The Sack of Baltimore.' There are reasons to believe that the raid was orchestrated by Irish against Protestant planters from Britain.
Member Reviews
Sweeping history of the Mediterranean world from prehistory to the present, richly illustrated.
To Rob, Mzee 2003
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Author Information
23+ Works 2,181 Members
David Abulafia is Professor of Mediterranean History at Cambridge University and the author of The Mediterranean in History.
Classifications
- Genres
- History, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
- DDC/MDS
- 909.09822 — History & geography History World history Other Geographic Classifications Other Classifications Ocean And Sea Basins Mediterranean
- LCC
- DE80 .M43 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania Greco-Roman World History of the Greco-Roman world History
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 146
- Popularity
- 224,820
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English, German, Spanish, Turkish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 9
