Thalassocracies

Abstract

Simply translated, the Greek term “thalassocracy” (thalassokratia) means sea-power or rule over the sea. More specifically, it is understood to mean an empire that not merely crosses the sea but uses the sea to tie together scattered dominions, exercising some degree of control over the sea. This chapter examines a range of maritime empires in the Mediterranean from that of Bronze-Age Crete to that of the British in Nelson's time to investigate the ways in which such control of the sea has been achieved and maintained. How does maritime empire relate to trade and piracy or privateering? How far have thalassocracies resulted from coherent political planning? On what sorts of infrastructure have thalassocracies depended? Finally, on a comparative note, does the Mediterranean region provide the clearest examples of maritime imperialism?

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