Late Byzantine ships and shipping, 1204-1453

Abstract

This study has aimed to investigate the problem of interpreting the nature and influence of Byzantine ships and shipping in the later Middle ages. Maritime transport activities and ships or shipbuilding of the Byzantines during the later Medieval age, between 1204-1453, have never been adequately revealed. The textual, pictorial, and archaeological evidence of Byzantine maritime activities is collected in this study. This limited evidence is evaluated in order to gain a better understanding of Byzantine maritime activities such as shipbuilding and maritime commerce. The impact of these activities in the Late Medieval age is discussed.