The Mediterranean in History

By David Abulafia and ABULAFIA DAVID/RACKH

Book Overview

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, 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892367253
• ISBN13: 9780892367252
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Trust Publications
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 4.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.8" x 11.5"

Customer Reviews

A superb resource for personal enrichment

David Abulafia (Professor of Mediterranean History, University of Cambridge, England) draws upon his academic expertise to compile and edit The Mediterranean In History, an extensive survey of learned articles focusing upon the changing events that shaped the lands about the "Great Sea", including the birth of Western Civilization, the rivalries of empires, the life-or-death struggles ancient eras, and the phenomena of modern globalization throughout the region. Full-color illustrations add an eye-catching touch to the informative and thoroughly "reader friendly" text. A superb resource for personal enrichment and an acclaimed contribution to both academic and community library World History reference shelves, The Mediterranean In History would make an excellent selection choice for Memorial Library acquisitions.