Michael Baizerman Author

  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 ava...

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...

  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 partici...

  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,...

I continue assessing the data collected on the Fourth Crusade, especially its diversion to Constantinople and the sack of the Queen of Cities. I began writing notes, groping my way to understanding the events.  Donald E. Queller & Thomas F. Madden's "The Fourth Crusade: The Conquest of Constantinople"  traces the whole enterprise from its proclamation by Pope Innocent to the inception of the Latin Empire on the ruins of Byzantium. I accept the author's conclusion that found no clues for the malicious plot on the part of Venetians or Philip of Swabia against the Eastern Roman Empire. I disagree with those who search the Roman emperors to blame for the destruction of their power. Though politicians tend to make erroneous decisions, the diversion of the Crusade was a gamechanger ushering in a vicious circle of crime.  Now, I reread Geoffrey of Villehardoiun's chronicle about the conquest. He seems to be a knowledgeable source for the train of events. We can rely ...