The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean

The Great Sea is an expansive yet detailed historical gem that offers a fresh perspective on the Mediterranean, focusing on the sea itself rather than the landmasses surrounding it.

This comprehensive account covers over 20,000 years of human history, from prehistoric times to the present day, and explores how the Mediterranean has been a hub of cultural exchange, trade, and empire-building.

The book delves into the practical importance of the sea for transportation and sustenance, as well as its dynamic role in shaping the rise and fall of civilizations.

Through interweaving major political and naval developments with the ebb and flow of trade, Abulafia reveals how merchants acted as intermediaries between cultures, trading goods that were exotic on one side of the sea as commonplace on the other.

The book highlights the remarkable ability of Mediterranean cultures to uphold the civilizing ideal of convivencia, or "living together." With its rich history and cultural significance, The Great Sea is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and fascinating story of the Mediterranean.