07 June 2022


Graham Cross :      Mare Nostrum - Sea Power in the Ancient World

                     A Brief HIstory of Seafaring in the Mediterranean World - 700 BC to 400 


Graham, who is a member of the AAA, will give a talk which will briefly follow the development of seafaring vessels in the ancient Mediterranean, Phoenician expansion and exploration, developments in Greece and the role of triremes in the repulse of the Persian invasions and creation of the Athenian thalassocracy, the puzzle of the precise construction of the trireme, the later development of multi-oared naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean, maritime elements of the struggle between Rome and Carthage, trade under the Roman imperium and the role of the navy in protecting the empire and expanding it in northern Europe.
Picture
A Roman Cargo Vessel
Graham :
Aside from my work as a technical and legal translator, I have had a lifelong amateur interest in history and archaeology, having assisted in excavation of the Roman legionary fortress at Chester in the sixties and being a member of the Chester Archaeological Society for over 40 years. I am also a qualified yachtmaster with an interest in and practical experience of sailing traditional working sailing craft.