Publisher's Synopsis
Philip de Souza presents the history of the sea as a medium for the development and expansion of human society and 'civilization', viewing both the positive and negative impact. The narrative and argument is organized under the following broad heads: * Navigation - from 'log boats' to supertankers * Trade - wheat and the Ancient Greeks or slaves to the Americas * Maritime empires * Religion - whether the expansion of Buddhism or Christian missionary initiatives * Food and health * Environment