Thalassocracy: meaning to Rule the Sea
Origin of the word: thalassocracy, derived from the words thalassa (sea) and Kratein or "to Rule"
When used in regards to a culture or civilization it's meaning changes slightly to "Empire at Sea". This refers to a civilization which has primarily maritime realms, controlling trade such as Phoenicians or Carthage. Additionally thalassocracy can mean dominance at sea, either through military, trade, colonization or exploration.
Origin of the word: thalassocracy, derived from the words thalassa (sea) and Kratein or "to Rule"
When used in regards to a culture or civilization it's meaning changes slightly to "Empire at Sea". This refers to a civilization which has primarily maritime realms, controlling trade such as Phoenicians or Carthage. Additionally thalassocracy can mean dominance at sea, either through military, trade, colonization or exploration.
Thalassocracy and the minoans
The Minoans of Crete where the first to be described with the term Thalassocracy. This transpired after having developed the first established navy, a constant military presence maintained and operated from Knossos by Minos. Although there were already ships, there had never been a standing fleet operated by a single country. Many hundreds more have been developed by their respective countries over the years such as the Athenians, Ottomans, Romans, Spanish, British etc.
Minoan Crete subsequently developed a vast control over the Aegean. Following their supreme control over the Aegean they are believed to have spread out and colonized many of the little islands sporadically found throughout the Aegean and the Cyclades are not believed to have been any different. Following there rapid expansion they are now believed to have colonized what was to become Thera.
Thera would by definition be defined as a thalassocracy as it was primarily a maritime state with extremely small land territory. There is no existing evidence to imply that Thera itself ever colonized nor conquered any other territories. The only implication of a naval military dominance which it may have exhibited was revealed by plato in his stories of Atlantis. Thera is the only place fit to be described as Atlantis following the tales of its destruction. Additionally Atlantis is told to have gone on a rampage destroying and pillaging all the lands surrounding it.
Minoan Crete subsequently developed a vast control over the Aegean. Following their supreme control over the Aegean they are believed to have spread out and colonized many of the little islands sporadically found throughout the Aegean and the Cyclades are not believed to have been any different. Following there rapid expansion they are now believed to have colonized what was to become Thera.
Thera would by definition be defined as a thalassocracy as it was primarily a maritime state with extremely small land territory. There is no existing evidence to imply that Thera itself ever colonized nor conquered any other territories. The only implication of a naval military dominance which it may have exhibited was revealed by plato in his stories of Atlantis. Thera is the only place fit to be described as Atlantis following the tales of its destruction. Additionally Atlantis is told to have gone on a rampage destroying and pillaging all the lands surrounding it.