Picture 4. An anonymous artist at the turn
A naval duel between inimical wars of the 14th century ships
Picture 4. An anonymous artist at the turn
A naval duel between inimical wars of the 14th century ships
The Battle of the Formigues Islands" is my seventh story in the cycle, "The Intricacies of Naval Warfare," which explores eight significant maritime conflicts in the medieval Mediterranean. The previous six stories are available on academia.edu:
https://www.academia.edu/122683998/The_Battle_of_Ad_Decimum
https://www.academia.edu/124564608/The_Umayyad_Siege_of_Constantinople_717_718_
https://www.academia.edu/125356518/The_Battle_of_the_Gulf_of_Corinth
https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961
https://www.academia.edu/127661416/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_1
https://www.academia.edu/128273374/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_2_The_Sack_of_Zara
https://www.academia.edu/129233488/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_3_From_Zero_to_Hero_and_Otherwise
The last three articles comprise a single story.
https://www.academia.edu/130330389/The_Battle_of_Meloria_August_6_1284_
The brief outline of my new account is as follows: 1. Setting the Scene 2. The Standoff at the Pass of Panissars 3. Maritime Developments 4. Roger de Lauria Sends the Crusade to Trash 5. The Crusade Caves in 6. Reassessment For the first time in my writing career, I have utilized non-English sources, primarily Italian, French, and Catalan.
I am currently in the process of writing, piecing together various parts of the narrative. As usual, I will describe this battle within the context of related events: the War of the Sicilian Vespers and the Capetian Crusade against Aragon.
At the same time, I'm researching the development of naval artillery in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
Mariano Barbasán Lagueruela (1891)
Peter III of Aragon the Great (1240-1285), at the Pass of Panissars.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pedro_III_el_Grande_en_el_collado_de_las_Panizas.jpg
My recent contribution to the re-editing project of the initial chapters of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East," has commenced. View it
https://www.academia.edu/143090131/Where_is_the_Heart_of_the_World_The_Location_of_Jerusalem_on_Medieval_Mind_Maps
The article places Jerusalem in the center of the papal vision of the Crusades, the pilgrim's desire to visit the Holy City, and the mapmakers' intention to establish the spatial center of the world.
The previous chapters are available:
https://www.academia.edu/127139711/What_if_the_Earth_Is_the_Sphere
https://www.academia.edu/127881027/How_to_measure_the_Earths_circumference
https://www.academia.edu/128448718/How_Long_Spans_the_Inhabited_World
https://www.academia.edu/129455182/The_World_as_the_Trefoil
My upcoming Zoom lecture titled "The Siege of Chandax," based on the article of the same name, will take place on August 11. View
https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961
I have begun developing my new study on merchant galleys. I will focus on the Flanders convoy, which connected Venice with various Flemish and English ports from 1315 to 1531. In particular, I will discuss the role of Southampton as the final destination for these journeys in the latter part of the fifteenth century. Additionally, I will examine the activities of privateers in the Atlantic who targeted richly laden galleys. Finally, I will elaborate on the auctions that offered these vessels for lease to the highest bidder.
I have just uploaded a new article, which is my sixth account of medieval naval battles. You can find it here: https://www.academia.edu/130330389/The_Battle_of_Meloria_August_6_1284_.
This version draws upon Matthew E. Parker's dissertation, "Sinking Pisa: The Decline of a Commercial Empire in the Thirteenth Century" (Saint Louis University, 2019). It also references "The Templar of Tyre," translated by Paul Crawford (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003), which is an anonymous fourteenth-century chronicle.
You read the sixth article from the cycle devoted to maritime battles in the medieval
Mediterranean. The Pisans and Genoese went face-to-face, battling for the hegemony of the
key islands, and, by extension, of the entire western basin of the Inland Sea. Only one of them
could taste victory, though the geopolitical game did not stop after the confrontation, as
overstaying sideliners started warming up.
Keywords: Pisa, Genoa, Sardinia, Corsica, Oberto Doria, Benedetto Zaccaria, Albertino
Morosini, Ugolino della Gherardesca
I have created a new folder called "Renovations" to compile fresh ideas for my project,
The Fright and Thrill of Navigation: Seafaring in the Medieval Period. As I mentioned
before, I will focus my research on the Middle Ages, up to the dawn of the sixteenth
century. This decision means I will have to forgo topics such as the development of
gunpowder and firearms on ships, even though their use began to spread in the
fourteenth century.
I also plan to deliver a Zoom lecture based on my previously uploaded article:
https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961.
Ultimately, I am committed to resuming my study on merchant galleys.
I have decided to revise the plan for my project, “The Fright and Thrill of Navigation.” Originally, I intended to cover shipping in the medieval and early modern Mediterranean. However, the wealth of information available, particularly regarding the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, would make my research excessively lengthy and difficult to read. Therefore, I will focus my investigation exclusively on shipping in the medieval Mediterranean. Here is the revised outline:
“The Fright and
Thrill of Navigation”
Volume 1: Seafaring
in the Medieval Mediterranean
Prelude:
I. A Tale of Two Brands
Part 1: Galleys in the Medieval Mediterranean
Part 2: Sailing Ships in the Medieval Mediterranean
Part 3: The Galley vs. the Sailing Ship. Comparison &
Contrast: Reappraisal
(?) The Vagaries of Navigation in the Medieval
Mediterranean
(?) The Sailor
(?) The Port
Unit I: The Age of the Galley
1.
The Early War Galleys
2.
Byzantine Contribution
3.
Latin Galleys, Horse
Transports, and Purpose-Built Oared Craft: Medieval Cutting-edge Technology
Unit II: The Intricacies of Naval
Warfare
1.
The Battle of Ad Decimum
2.
The Omayyad Siege of
Constantinople (August 717-August 718)
3.
The Portage of Ships across
the Isthmus
4. The Siege of Chandax: The Byzantine Recovery of Crete
5. The Fall of New Rome (April 12, 1204)
6.
The Battle of Meloria
(August 1284)
7.
The Battle of Les Formigues
8.
The Battle of Chioggia
Unit IV: Merchant Galleys
? Naval mechanical artillery
Unit V: The Age of Sail
Unit VI: The Age of Navigation Aids
I am currently developing a narrative about merchant galleys, with a particular focus on the Venetia-Flanders route. As usual, I have encountered many misconceptions surrounding this topic. In addition to transporting valuable cargoes, these rowing vessels also carried many "mundane" commodities, such as alum and wine. On the inbound voyage, metals procured in England were used as ballast. Some ships operated on multiple routes; for example, they traveled from Alexandria to Venice and then from Venice to Flanders, or Flanders galleys visited African ports on their way home. Political events sometimes hindered the continuation of these trips. Great galleys were generally more seaworthy than warships and often functioned like sailing craft; however, they could be vulnerable to unpredictable weather and pirate attacks.
We canceled the lecture scheduled for May 12 due to technical issues with my computer. After fixing the problem with the generous help from my neighbor, I conducted a short test session with my professor, who coordinates the Zoom lectures. The new date for the speech is May 26. This discourse will focus on the portage of ships across the Isthmus of Corinth and is based on my article, "The Battle of the Gulf of Corinth."
https://www.academia.edu/125356518/The_Battle_of_the_Gulf_of_Corinth
I have completed the editing of the third part of my article, The Fall of New Rome, subtitled From Zero to Hero and Otherwise. This section explores the challenges faced by the crusading army at Zara as its leaders deliberate on their next course of action. A controversial decision ultimately diverts the Crusade from its original planned route, directing it toward another Christian city. In the end, Christendom gained valuable insights from this ill-fated overseas venture. The paper is available at
https://www.academia.edu/129233488/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_3_From_Zero_to_Hero_and_Otherwise
You can read the previous parts here:
https://www.academia.edu/127661416/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_1 https://www.academia.edu/128273374/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_2_The_Sack_of_Zara
I also re-edited Chapter 4 of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." Titled The World as the Trefoil, this section explores the evolution of the Mappa Mundi, or "world maps," which reflect the medieval imagination. Over the centuries, this medium transformed from simple representations of a tripartite-inhabited Earth to more intricate designs that incorporated Ptolemy's vision and reflected the influence of sea charts. This portrayal of the medieval world, encompassing both the sacred and the profane, unfolds before us.
https://www.academia.edu/129455182/The_World_as_the_Trefoil
I have become a member of the New Israeli Scientific Society, which was established in March 2025. I will continue giving Zoom lectures for the Department of History and Philosophy as well as for the general public. My next presentation will take place on May 12 and will focus on the portage of ships across the Isthmus of Corinth. This event highlights the efforts of the Byzantine fleet to eliminate corsair raids by the Emirate of Crete.
I am currently editing the third and final part of my article, "The Fall of New Rome." I reviewed another version of the events of the Fourth Crusade titled "Enrico Dandolo and the Rise of Venice" by Madden. Additionally, I checked various facts and citations. I found evidence that Cardinal Peter Capuano absolved the Venetian participants of their crusading vows, allowing them to return home with a clear conscience – much to the Pope's displeasure. I will need to incorporate additional nuances into the text and save further details for another edition.
I apologize for the brevity of this entry, but there is so much work to be done. I hope to compensate my readers and listeners with more comprehensive articles and lectures in the future.
It seems that my notes have generated some interest among readers, and I feel it is important to update you on the latest developments.
I have edited the second part of my new article, "The Fall of New Rome," which focuses on the events of the Fourth Crusade. This section highlights the role of the Venetian fleet in the siege of Zara (Zadar, Croatia) and delves into the tensions within the crusading camp, while discussing the campaign's ultimate goal.
https://www.academia.edu/128273374/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_2_The_Sack_of_Zara
I am in the process of editing the third and final part of my account.
Additionally, I have uploaded the revised version of Chapter 3 of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." This updated chapter presents an enhanced version of the final chapter of Unit I: The Three Trick Questions of Mathematical Geography. It explores how medieval European scholars understood the extent of the inhabited world. Drawing on the calculations of Ancient Greek geographers, cosmographers like Henricus Martellus developed a concept of populated regions separated by vast stretches of the Ocean Sea. The following Bottom Line of Unit I summarizes the first three chapters.
https://www.academia.edu/128448718/How_Long_Spans_the_Inhabited_World
The last paper sparked a brief discussion with a reader who prefers a different version of the stadium. For more information about the various versions, see my previous paper
https://www.academia.edu/127881027/How_to_measure_the_Earths_circumference
I expressed my preference for a middle calculation because we are often unaware of the specific calculation methods used in different cases. In my opinion, choosing an alternative standard does not affect the overall outcome. Medieval cartographers faced a dilemma between Eratosthenes's concept of a "giant Earth" and Posidonius's idea of a "dwarf Earth." I also plan to upload two additional re-edited chapters in the future. My main focus has been the exploration of early gunpowder weapons on medieval ships. Additionally, I want to research the role of mechanical artillery onboard these vessels.
I have uploaded the first part of my new article, The Fall of New Rome,
https://www.academia.edu/127661416/The_Fall_of_New_Rome_Part_1
The paper discusses why the Fourth Crusade (1203-1204) chose Venice as its embarkation point. It also explores the factors that led to the signing of the Treaty of Venice in 1201 and examines the significant gap between the intentions expressed in the pact and the actual execution of those plans. I have designed two additional parts that will be uploaded later.
In addition, I have retrieved an updated version of Chapter Two of "The Enchanting Encounter with the East."
https://www.academia.edu/127881027/How_to_measure_the_Earths_circumference
This article compares the estimations of the Earth's circumference made by Greek, Arab, and European scholars, setting the "mean" value of ancient measurements to facilitate their conversion to modern equivalents.
This paper has drawn the interest of many scholars, some of whom participated in the discussion. We talked about the accuracy of data regarding the Greek stadium, which is a unit of length. We also discussed my proposal to convert the stadium into meters.
I am continuing to collect data for my next research unit, "The Age of Gunpowder." I recently got hands on a remarkable book entitled "Gunpowder Galleys: Changing Technology & Mediterranean Warfare at Sea in the 16th Century," written by John Guilmartin. I am reviewing his ideas and trying to develop my own.
I am working on a new unit in my project titled "The Age of Gunpowder." In this section, I will explore the introduction of firearms on ships in the fourteenth century, the development of heavy ordnance on galleys and sailing ships during the 1400s and 1500s, and the decline of oared armed vessels in the 1700s. I am currently gathering additional data and have just begun the development process.
I read Anderson's "Oared Fighting Ships," focusing on his discussion of Mediterranean galleys, rowing alla sensile and al scaloccio, as well as the armament of the galleass.
Rodger's paper, "The Development of Broadside Gunnery," is also highly informative. In it, he discusses the effectiveness of heavy guns mounted on galleys and describes how sailing ships slowly attempted to match these oared vessels in speed, agility, and the capacity to mount heavy artillery.
I am currently editing a new chapter on naval tactics titled "The Fall of New Rome," which focuses on the tragic history of the Fourth Crusade. I have divided a lengthy excerpt into three parts. Part I is called "The Rendezvous at Venice." This section describes the gathering of the crusading host at the head of the Adriatic Sea and highlights the leaders' failure to cover the debt for maritime transportation.
I am currently gathering data for a new unit in my project. I found John F. Guilmartin's book, "Gunpowder and Galleys," to be quite informative. It explains why navies took so long to incorporate artillery effectively and discusses the changes in ship construction that transformed galleys into floating artillery platforms.
I have released an updated version of the first chapter of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East:"
https://www.academia.edu/127139711/What_if_the_Earth_Is_the_Sphere
This chapter argues that the concept of a spherical Earth was accepted during the Middle Ages. However, many medieval scholars viewed our planet as the fixed center of a revolving universe, often reconciling their beliefs with experimental evidence.
Keywords: John Gower, John of Hollywood, Venerable Bede, Gautier de Metz, John Mandeville, Martin Behaim, Christopher Columbus
On February 2, I will deliver a new Zoom lecture in Russian based on my paper:
https://www.academia.edu/124564608/The_Umayyad_Siege_of_Constantinople_717_718_
The lecture will focus on the siege of Constantinople, which endured a thirteenth-month assault on land and a naval blockade. I will explain why the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire proved difficult to conquer, even against the superior Umayyad forces. I will attribute the Byzantine victory to their skillful resource management, advanced maritime tactics, and support from their Bulgar allies. Additionally, I will contest the notion that the Greek fire was used and will present several alternative explanations.
Keywords: Umayyad Caliphate, Constantinople, Maslama, Leo III, Theodosian Walls, dromon, Greek fire
My new paper is "out in print" after undergoing thorough editing. This chapter examines the history of Chandax, the capital of the Emirate of Crete (820s-961), and its recapture by the Byzantine army led by General Nikephoros Phokas. The author seeks to align the evidence gathered from both Byzantine and Arab chronicles. Additionally, he includes details about the use of trebuchets, the establishment of military encampments, and the methods used to undermine the walls of citadels.
https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961
I have re-edited the opening chapter of my second book, titled "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." The paper "What If the Earth Is a Sphere" examines medieval geography and includes numerous examples and illustrations. It demonstrates that medieval scholars viewed the Earth as a spherical body at the center of a rotating universe. I plan to upload an excerpt from this paper in three weeks. Additionally, I have begun preparing a Zoom lecture about the siege of Constantinople by an Arab army in 717-718, which will be based on my article.
https://www.academia.edu/124564608/The_Umayyad_Siege_of_Constantinople_717_718_
Currently, I am still gathering data on naval guns and related topics. I am reading an intriguing book titled "The Sea in History: Medieval Period," which features many compelling articles about seafaring.