Abstract

The Greek world has a long tradition in shipping and maritime trade, dating back to the first appearances of the civilization. This tradition secured for the ancient Greek world dominance over a large area around the Mediterranean Sea. The evidence of this supremacy, based on the findings of archaeologists and historians, supports the statement that the term “thalassocracy,” a Greek term meaning sea power, was coined by the Greeks to describe this regime. This tradition continued with some intervals, when other powers also demonstrated their ability to control the sea lanes, until today. The role of Greek ship-owners in the Greek revolution against the Ottomans was important both in terms of available funds and war operations at sea. Today, the Greek-owned fleet is one of the largest in the world and its role in world trade is of great interest. The focus of this paper is a brief review of the evolution of sea rule in the Greek world from the earliest traces of history to the modern era, with comments on the relationship between thalassocracy and sustainability and the future of sea trade. 

Keywords

Hellenic world and history, sustainability, distillation, desalination, navigation, sea trade, sea power