Queens of the Sea: Port Cities in the Early Modern Mediterranean and the Middle East

Catalog description

When one steps into Marseille or Naples, into Genoa or Alexandria, a strange sense of familiarity settles over the mind. The multi-storied buildings facing the sea, slightly blackened by years of humid weather; the small groups of anonymous youths; the seagulls adding to the bustle of the port—these elements evoke a shared landscape. Yet these cities are each distinct, adorned with dialects and languages unique to their histories, and home to the ships and armies that once set sail to conquer or defend against one another. Both point of departure and place of arrival, they are the Queens of the Mediterranean: vibrant port cities, connected to and separated from each other by the same sea. These cities have housed armies and queens, legendary warriors and migrants—both departing and arriving—lovers, enemies, poets, self-proclaimed kings, and emperors anointed by others. How are we to understand these cities, divided today by national identity, yet bound together by common histories and persistent stereotypes? In this course, we will immerse ourselves in each of these cities. We will read, discuss, and imagine them through works of history, literature, and poetry. Students will engage with themes in urban history and the environment, as well as cultural difference, identity, familiarity, and distance.