“A generation which ignores history has no past – and no future.”
— Robert A. Heinlein
The sea has always connected humanity – shaping civilizations, accelerating progress, and carrying dreams from one shore to another.
The history of maritime trade is the story of human ambition, creativity, and exchange. From ancient ports to steamships, and from the Age of Discovery to today’s digital charts, it reflects how deeply our lives have always been linked to the water.
Understanding this rich history is essential for anyone entering the maritime world – because what we do today sails on the wake of those who came before.
This section brings together global efforts to study, preserve, and celebrate our shared maritime heritage. It includes:
• Historical associations and institutions advancing maritime research
• Key publications, academic networks, and research communities
• Timelines and discoveries that shaped modern maritime trade
• Events and conferences that keep history alive through dialogue
Exploring maritime trade history reveals how:
• Human progress has been deeply tied to the evolution of shipbuilding, navigation, and exploration
• Coastal populations influenced one another by sea, exchanging products, ideas, languages, and belief systems
• Ancient routes and cultural exchanges laid the foundation for today’s global trade
It’s not just about the past – it’s about learning how to move forward with greater awareness and purpose.
♦ 1000 BC – The Middle East
Maritime trade flourishes with fruits, spices, and early shipping hubs.
♦ 250 BC – 500 AD – Greek and Roman Eras
Mediterranean empires extend sea routes across Europe and Asia.
♦ 7th – 8th Centuries – The Arab Empire
Breakthroughs in sailing and navigation emerge, many still in use today.
♦ 15th – 17th Centuries – Age of Discovery
Explorers like Columbus, Cabot, and Cartier reshape maritime maps through global expeditions.
♦ 1800s – 1900s – The Age of Steam and Engines
Sail gives way to steam and later internal combustion, transforming maritime transport forever.
1. What part of maritime history inspires you the most – and why?
2. How do you think ancient maritime routes shaped the world we live in today?
3. What role should historical knowledge play in shaping the future of maritime education and industry?
