Central Mediterranean islands and satellite ports for ancient Rome

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to provide an overview that will help better understand how small islands in the central Mediterranean were perceived by mariners sailing in their vicinity, especially those sailing to and from Portus. It is also my intention to explore the role or roles played by some of the small central Mediterranean islands in Roman maritime traffic. In order to do so, I have divided this brief work into four analytical categories that will shed light on both their maritime functionality and the influence of maritime traffic on certain practices of islanders.