Description
Book Synopsis: Connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea has been for millennia the place where religions, economies, and political systems met, clashed, influenced and absorbed one another. In this brilliant and expansive book, David Abulafia offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the sea itself: its practical importance for transport and sustenance; its dynamic role in the rise and fall of empires; and the remarkable cast of characters-sailors, merchants, migrants, pirates, pilgrims-who have crossed and re-crossed it. Ranging from prehistory to the 21st century, The Great Sea is above all a history of human interaction.
Interweaving major political and naval developments with the ebb and flow of trade, Abulafia explores how commercial competition in the Mediterranean created both rivalries and partnerships, with merchants acting as intermediaries between cultures, trading goods that were as exotic on one side of the sea as they were commonplace on the other. He stresses the remarkable ability of Mediterranean cultures to uphold the civilizing ideal of convivencia, "living together."
Now available in paperback, The Great Sea is the definitive account of perhaps the most vibrant theater of human interaction in history.
Details
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean. This captivating book by David Abulafia sheds new light on the Mediterranean Sea, revealing how it shaped civilizations and fostered cultural exchange for thousands of years. From the rise and fall of empires to the movements of sailors, merchants, and migrants, this book offers a fresh perspective on the pivotal role of the Mediterranean. With its practical importance for trade and transportation, the sea became a melting pot of religions, economies, and political systems. Discover the remarkable stories of pirates, pilgrims, and merchants who traversed this vast expanse.
Transport yourself through time as you navigate the turbulent waters of history. The Great Sea delves into the fascinating interplay between major political events, naval developments, and the ebb and flow of trade. This engrossing account showcases how commercial competition in the Mediterranean not only bred rivalries but also fostered partnerships. Merchants served as cultural intermediaries, bringing exotic goods from one side of the sea to the other. Explore the concept of convivencia, the shared coexistence of diverse cultures, and witness how Mediterranean societies upheld the ideal of living together harmoniously.
Now, you have the opportunity to embark on this enlightening journey of discovery without breaking the bank. The paperback edition of The Great Sea is finally here! Get ready to embark on an adventure that spans centuries, from prehistory to the present day. Dive into the pages of this definitive account and witness firsthand the vibrant theater of human interaction in one of history's most influential regions.
Don't miss out on this chance to explore the enthralling world of the Mediterranean. Order your copy of The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean today. Expand your horizons, deepen your understanding of the past, and embrace the undeniable allure of this extraordinary sea.
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