The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean

The Great Sea: A History of the Mediterranean World Since Ancient Times by David Abulafia is a comprehensive and engaging history of the Mediterranean world, spanning from prehistory to the 21st century.

This book provides a fresh perspective on the sea itself, highlighting its practical importance for transportation and sustenance, as well as its dynamic role in the rise and fall of empires.

The author interweaves major political and naval developments with the ebb and flow of trade, showcasing how commercial competition in the Mediterranean created both rivalries and partnerships between cultures.

Through the cast of characters that have crossed and re-crossed the sea, including sailors, merchants, migrants, pirates, pilgrims, and more, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between different civilizations.

With its remarkable ability to uphold the civilizing ideal of convivencia, or living together, the Mediterranean has been a theater of human interaction for millennia.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of this dynamic region and its continued significance in the modern world.