Maritime history

Quick Facts: Who was Maritime history?

Subject:

Maritime history

Known for:

The academic study of human interaction with and activity across the world's oceans and seas.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Maritime history is the study of human interaction with and activity at sea. It covers a broad thematic element of history that often uses a global approach, although national and regional histories remain predominant. As an academic subject, it often crosses the boundaries of standard disciplines, focusing on understanding humankind's various relationships to the oceans, seas, and major waterways of the globe. Nautical history records and interprets past events involving ships, shipping, navigation, and seafarers. Maritime history is the broad overarching subject that includes fishing, whaling, international maritime law, naval history, the history of ships, ship design, shipbuilding, the history of navigation, the history of the various maritime-related sciences (oceanography, cartography, hydrography, etc.), sea exploration, maritime economics and trade, shipping, yachting, seaside resorts, the history of lighthouses and aids to navigation, maritime themes in literature, maritime themes in art, the social history of sailors and passengers and sea-related communities.

Career & Major Achievements

There are a number of approaches to the field, sometimes divided into two broad categories: Traditionalists, who seek to engage a small audience of other academics, and Utilitarians, who seek to influence policy makers and a wider audience. Historians from many lands have published monographs, popular and scholarly articles, and collections of archival resources. A leading journal is International Journal of Maritime History, a fully refereed scholarly journal published twice a year by the International Maritime Economic History Association. Based in Canada with an international editorial board, it explores the maritime dimensions of economic, social, cultural, and environmental history. For a broad overview, see the four-volume encyclopedia edited by John B. Hattendorf, Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (Oxford, 2007).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It contains over 900 articles by 400 scholars and runs 2900 pages. Other major reference resources are Spencer Tucker, ed., Naval Warfare: An International Encyclopedia (3 vol. ABC-CLIO, 2002) with 1500 articles in 1231, pages, and I. C. B. Dear and Peter Kemp, eds., Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2nd ed. 2005) with 2600 articles in 688 pages. Typically, studies of merchant shipping and of defensive navies are seen as separate fields. Inland waterways are included within 'maritime history,' especially inland seas such as the Great Lakes of North America, and major navigable rivers and canals worldwide.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2002: 2002 Milestone — ABC-CLIO, 2002) with 1500 articles in 1231, pages, and I.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — 2005) with 2600 articles in 688 pages.
3. 2007: 2007 Milestone — Hattendorf, Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (Oxford, 2007).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Maritime history

True or False: “Was the earliest known evidence of a sailing vessel depicted in Mesopotamia from the Ubaid period?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The Ubaid period in Mesopotamia is cited as showing the earliest depiction of a maritime sailing vessel using clay models and painted disks.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Abd al-Samad — Historical peer (Born in 1500) (1500): Founding master of Mughal miniature painting, active in the 16th century.
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• Anthony of Padua — Historical peer (Died in 1231) (1231): Portuguese Catholic saint and Franciscan friar, renowned for his preaching.
• Emperor Shijō — Historical peer (Born in 1231) (1231): 87th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1232 to 1242, marked by political turmoil.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maritime history