The Role of the Physical Environment in Ancient Greek Seafaring

This study of the world of ancient Greek mariners focuses on the relationship between the natural environment and the techniques and technology of seafaring. An initial description of the geology, oceanography and meteorology of Greece and the Mediterranean, is followed by discussion of the resulting sailing conditions (physical hazards, sea conditions, winds and availability of shelter), and environmental factors in sailing routes, sailing directions, and navigational techniques. Appendices discuss winter and night sailing, ship design, weather prediction, and related areas of socio-maritime life (settlement, religion, and warfare). Wide-ranging sources and illustrations are used to demonstrate both how the environment shaped many of the problems and constraints of seafaring, and also that Greek mariners’ understanding of the environment was instrumental in their development of a highly successful seafaring tradition.