Online ANAMED Library Talk by Alkiviadis Ginalis: "Harbours of the Aegean in Late Antiquity and the Medieval Period. Thessaly, Maritime Connectivity, and the Eastern Mediterranean Seascape"

18.00-20.00

This book, bearing the same title, represents the first comprehensive attempt to study harbors and maritime connectivity in the Aegean from an archaeological perspective, going beyond the examination of individual settlements. It offers a conceptual framework for synthesizing the presence and functions of different harbor infrastructures, accurately interpreting coastal installations, and understanding their hierarchical interactions. This approach provides a general understanding of the complex nature of Eastern Mediterranean seascapes in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Unlike most studies, the book does not focus solely on easily observable harbor cities and major port areas but also includes—and particularly emphasizing local and regional infrastructures that form the diachronic backbone of the maritime economy. In doing so, it presents a comprehensive analysis of historical and architectural developments, offering an in-depth understanding of harbor networks and maritime connectivity in the Byzantine East.

Finally, a detailed archaeological study of Thessaly is presented as a representative case study. This region is especially suitable for providing data from both the Early and Late Byzantine periods and allows for comparisons between independent regional and imperial-scale construction activities. Moreover, due to its highly diverse maritime and coastal landscapes, it reflects the full spectrum of maritime activities in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. These include gulfs, open coasts, peninsulas, archipelagos, and river deltas.

The talk will take place online,  postponed to 14 April 2026.

To register please visit the website: https://anamed.ku.edu.tr/events/harbours-of-the-aegean-in-late-antiquity-and-the-medieval-period-thessaly-maritime-connectivity-and-the-eastern-mediterranean-seascape/