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The Global Origins (and Development) of Seafaring

edited by Atholl Anderson, James Barrett, and Katie Boyle

When and in what circumstances did seafaring begin and how is it understood from the perspectives of maritime technology? This volume explores key themes in maritime prehistory from the perspective of seafaring, discussing the circumstances and incentives of seafaring development, its patterning in relation to periods of migration and trade and the relationship between sailing and society.

The sea was dangerous and difficult to predict, but from at least the Middle Palaeolithic people sought its resources and attempted to move on its surface or beneath. The evolution of watercraft facilitated coastal foraging, fishing, hunting and travel, and the later development of sailing allowed long offshore passages, fundamental to all other sea-borne activities and interests. Increasing maritime exploration, migration, trade and colonialism together stimulated the integrating effects of globalization, describe a developing reach and complexity in human affairs that is comparable with, and in various ways holds up a mirror to, the course of terrestrial prehistory across the late Quaternary.

The history of the sea, no less than that of the land, speaks to the development of modern humanity and the discussions in Global Origins of Seafaring will make a strong contribution to the construction of a better theoretical framework for seafaring studies. 320p, 115 figs (The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research 2010)

Review Quotes

"The twenty-four papers tell a fascinating story that is mainly concerned with the fundamental role of the sea as, initially, a barrier to human exploration and migration but, once mastered, a highway for the spread of people, ideas, language, culture, war and trade, not to mention a cornucopia of resources."

Christopher Catling
SALON - The Society of Antiquaries Online Newsletter, No. 251 (March 2011)

"It is a valuable contribution to the field of maritime studies and will inform maritime historians and archaeologists across broad geographical and chronological spans."

Cheryl Ward, Coastal Carolina University
International Journal of Maritime History (June 2011)

"...their is a hugh amount of fascinating, detailed material..."

John Townley, Sea Cliff, NY
The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord (July 2011)

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