The Mediterranean in History

By David Abulafia and ABULAFIA DAVID/RACKH

Book Overview

In this richly illustrated volume, eight distinguished historians explore the facts, themes, and epochs of the history of the "Great Sea"

the physical settingthe rivalry between Carthaginians, Greeks, and Etruscans for control of sea routesunification under Rome and the subsequent break up into Western Christendom, Byzantium, and Islamthe Crusadescommerce in medieval timesthe Ottoman resurgencethe rivalry of European powers from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuriesand the globalization of the region in the last century.

The book departs from the traditional view of Mediterranean history with its emphasis on the influences of physical geography. Instead it regards physical context as a staging ground for decisive action with, at center stage, human catalysts at all levels of society--from great kings and emperors to the sailors of medieval Amalfi to the Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. The authors describe how these groups interacted with one another across the sea, enjoying commercial and political ties as well as sharing ideas and religious beliefs.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1606060570
• ISBN13: 9781606060575
• Release Date: March 2011
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 3.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 10.9"

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.