How Long Spans the Inhabited World

 As the previous discussion on my paper, How to Measure the Earth's Circumference, has ended, I decided to launch another discussion. You can view the article at https://www.academia.edu/s/849a19ddfc/how-long-spans-the-inhabited-world?source=work

This new paper continues the overview of the mathematical geography of the European Middle Ages and focuses on the extent of the known world. Besides reading, you can participate in the discussion during the remaining three weeks. 

As you have probably noticed, I made a resolution to abstain from uploading new pieces until I take most of my articles through discussions. This is a new feature added by the Academia.edu site last summer. I think that my work deserves a chance of attracting better publicity. Especially, due to the reaction of literary agents who consider my book unsellable to the general public. The credit that I get from my readers enables me to continue. 

Meanwhile, I was asked to give a lecture on Skype to the participants of the Russian political club who are interested in Jewish history. I am preparing notes about Mesha king of Moab and his rebellion against the Israelite oppressors. The lecture draws on the Moabite Stone and mentions in passing the Hebrew Bible since I can't accept the latter as the historical source, especially for the period before the seventh century BCE. 

I continue to develop materials for galleys and sailing ships of the Late Middle Ages. In the first chapter of a new unit, I will overview these two types of medieval ships, showing their strong and weak points, their role in shipping, and the kind of cargo that they were able to haul. 

The Benefit of Discussion

 I'm writing these lines amid the turbulent times of the modern pandemics in hope that the vaccination against the terrible disease will start in several days. 

I'm very optimistic about choosing to subject my articles to discussion on the Academia site. The first outcome was popularity. Besides the immediate result that so many people begin to read the particular paper, some of them are also interested in other subjects. So the number of my readers has doubled in only four months reaching over 2K.  Besides, some readers decide to add their suggestions or criticism which gives me some food for thought. I am aware of the limitations of my Internet research and praise new perspectives that might open in these discussions. Or, at least, I know better why I keep standing in the same position despite the criticism. 

The current discussion about my article https://www.academia.edu/39924577/How_to_Measure_the_Earths_Circumference

is still going on and you can take part. 

Meanwhile, I began to reassess Unit II of my third manuscript. The unit is titled "The Anguish and Thrill of Navigation" and consists of 10 chapters. The first of them, The Long Ship vs. Round Ship, introduces the two main types of vessels plying the medieval sea. I have to collect new material about galleys and sailing ships before comparing it with what I wrote about six years ago and has never published. 

This section was supposed to be part of my second manuscript, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East". After completing all the chapters, I realized that the book is devoted to overland journeys and sea travels will be unnecessary. That is why I took out the chapter, https://www.academia.edu/41214506/How_Wide_Spans_the_Ocean_Sea

which focuses on the calculations of the sea distances and the entire section about medieval ships. 

The rejected chapters will be part of my third manuscript. My gut feeling tells me that the future book will include at least two volumes. In the prepared part, Unit I, there are over 30 K words. I will keep you updated about my progress.