The Straits from Troy to Constantinople (Hardback)
The Ancient History of the Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara and Bosporos
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 264
ISBN: 9781399013246
Published: 8th November 2021
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In ancient times, the series of waterways now known as the Turkish Straits, comprising the Dardanelles (or Hellespont), Sea of Marmara and the Bosporus, formed both a divide and a bridge between Europe and Asia. Its western and eastern entrances were guarded, at different times, by two of the most fabled cities of all time: respectively Troy (in Asia) and Byzantion (or Byzantium, on the European coast). The narrow crossing points at the Hellespont and Bosporus were strategically important invasion routes while the waters themselves were vital routes of travel and commerce, particularly the supply of grain from the hinterland of the Black Sea to the Greek cities. This made them sought after prizes and sources of friction between successive empires, Persians, Macedonians and Romans among them, and ensured they were associated with some of the great names of history, from Odysseus to Xerxes, Alexander to Constantine the Great. John D Grainger relates the fascinating history of this pivotal region from the Trojan War to Byzantion’s refounding as the new capital of the Roman Empire. Renamed Constantinople it dominated the straits for a thousand years.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Lional Jones
A very well researched book and a good historical read on ancient history from troy to Constantinople. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good book to read on ancient history.
"A splendid account of the rich history of this region and one for the bookshelf!"
Martin Willoughby, The Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Anna Maria Giacomasso
I'm fascinated by the history of the Dardanelles and Bosphoros as they play an important role in ancient history.
This was an informative, well researched and entertaining book that made me learn something new.
Highly recommended.
About John D Grainger
JOHN D GRAINGER is a former teacher and historian of great experience with a particular interest in Classical and Hellenistic Greek history. His many previous works include the following for Pen & Sword: Hellenistic and Roman Naval Wars (2011); The Wars of the Maccabees (2012); Roman Conquests: Egypt and Judaea (2013); a three-part history of the Seleukid Empire (2014-16), King’s and Kingship in the Hellenistic World 350-30 BC (2017), Antipater’s Dynasty (2018), Ancient Dynasties (2019, The Roman Imperial Succession (March 2020), The Straits from Troy to Constantinople (2021) and The Forty Sieges of Constantinople (2022). He lives in Evesham, Worcestershire.