How to gauge sea threat fluctuations through the archaeological record?

Abstract

This research assesses the nature and frequency of piratical activities within the geographical boundaries of the Mediterranean Sea and how this is reflected in the literature – both ancient and recent. Furthermore, it also focuses on gauging piratical attacks through the archaeological record during the period of 218 BC and after the eradication of pirates from the Mediterranean Sea. Importance is given to the Maltese Islands and Sicily and how these islands became part of the Roman Empire. The theme of piracy is analysed and attempts are made to understand the motives and characteristics of piratical activities within the Mediterranean, the effects that these activities had on the various powers, and the measure these powers took against piracy. Moreover, the rise to power of the Romans is also examined in order to understand the means through which they achieved naval supremacy and were in turn able to campaign for the eradication of piracy within the Mediterranean basin. In addition, the expeditions against pirates, their outcomes as well as their effects are discussed. Lastly, attention is given to several archaeological sites in Sicily and the Maltese Islands in order to determine to what extent these sites were affected by the presence of pirates in the Mediterranean.