Piracy, connectivity and seaborne power in the Middle Ages
Abstract
The author questions the widespread idea that piracy is a hindrance to maritime communication. He shows that piracy can reinforce connectivity, as defined by Horden and Purcell, by provoking human displacements and increasing ethnic diversity. The repression of piracy is carried out by means of the law, by the creation of institutions such as maritime insurance, or by diplomacy. The author examines the links between political power and piracy, especially in the case of thalassocracies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Medieval History and Crusades
Maritime Security and History
Global Maritime and Colonial Histories
Publication details
- Journal / source
- heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter