
Histories Webinar | Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe
22 April 2025, 17:00 (CEST)

medieval, naval warfare, piracy, privateering, diplomacy, women, warship
Welcome from the Chair
1st Histories Webinar
Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe
Welcome to the webinar entitled "Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe"!
Naval warfare and diplomacy in the Middle Ages have increasingly captured the attention of historians, unveiling the significance of maritime power in shaping the political, economic, and cultural development of medieval Europe and the Mediterranean. While trade, exploration, and conquest have flourished through the opportunities offered by the sea, it has also posed considerable challenges, including threats from pirates and rival states. Diplomacy, closely tied to naval strength, emerged as an essential tool for forging alliances, negotiating treaties, and resolving conflicts.
This webinar aims to shed new light on these fascinating topics. It will explore not only the strategies and consequences of naval conflict but also delve deeper into the intricate networks, actors, and instruments of maritime diplomacy in the Middle Ages. The discussions will address a diverse array of themes, including the organization and functionality of medieval fleets, the role of economic resources in sustaining maritime endeavors, and the often-overlooked participation of women in naval warfare and diplomacy.
With a wide-ranging focus spanning methodology, social impacts, and regional perspectives, we aim to ignite thought-provoking conversations and inspire novel research in this dynamic field. We are thrilled to have you join us as we navigate through the currents of history and uncover the hidden treasures of medieval maritime studies.
Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 5:00 pm CEST | 11:00 am EDT | 11:00 pm CST Asia
Webinar ID: 889 7161 1100
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Event Chair

GOBPORT Research Group. Department of Historical Sciences, University of Cantabria, Spain
Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea is a Full Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cantabria. His research focuses on medieval urban history, maritime history, and the socio-political dynamics of port cities in the Atlantic during the Middle Ages. He has published extensively on topics such as the political culture of the commons, social exclusion in medieval cities, and the role of ports in early globalization. Professor Solórzano Telechea is also the Director of the Research Project "BARMER", which examines economic activity, social relations, and armed conflicts in late medieval Atlantic port cities. His contributions to the field have earned him several accolades, including the Admiral Diego Gutiérrez de Ceballos Award.
Speakers

Center for European History and Cultural Studies (ZEGK); Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
Victòria Burguera-Puigserver is a distinguished medievalist specializing in the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the Crown of Aragon during the late Middle Ages. Her research delves into topics such as the redemption of captives, maritime conflict management, and the intricate relationships between Mallorca and the Maghreb. She has authored notable works, including Entre el negoci privat i la caritat popular, which explores systems of redemption for captives in the Crown of Aragon. Dr. Burguera has also contributed to academic discussions on the role of political institutions in maritime conflict resolution. She is affiliated with the University of Heidelberg.

University Centre of Nour El Bachir, Algeria
Abdeldjabar Seddiki is Professor at the University Centre of Nour El Bachir in El Bayadh, and member of GOBPORT Research Group at University of Cantabria. His research focuses on the historical and geographical dynamics of the central Maghreb during the Middle Ages, particularly between the 8th and 11th centuries. His work explores how geographical features like mountains, deserts, and waterways influenced the political boundaries and state formation in the region. Professor Seddiki employs both descriptive and analytical methodologies to examine the interplay between geography and political development. His contributions provide valuable insights into the historical evolution of the Maghreb.

Department of Historical Sciences; University of Cantabria, Spain
Pablo García is a FPI-funded researcher associated with the BARMER research project at the University of Cantabria. He is also a member of the recognized research group GOBPORT at the university. His doctoral research, titled Privateering, Piracy, and Naval Warfare in the Bay of Biscay during the Late Middle Ages, explores the maritime conflicts and naval strategies in the region during the late medieval period.
Registration
This is a FREE webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Certificates of attendance will be delivered to those who attend the live webinar.
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Program
Speaker |
Presentation Title |
Time in CEST |
Time in EDT |
Prof. Dr. Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea |
Chair Introduction |
5:00 - 5:10 pm |
11:00 – 11:10 am |
Prof. Dr. Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea |
Introduction: Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in the Middle Ages |
5:10 - 5:30 pm |
11:10 – 11:30 am |
Dr. Victòria A. Burguera-Puigserver |
Intelligence on Threats: Municipal Management of Maritime Warnings in 15th Century Catalonia |
5:30 - 5:50 pm |
11:30 – 11:50 am |
Prof. Abdeldjabar Seddiki |
Gibraltar: The Military and Diplomatic Importance of a Strategic Strait During the Middle Ages |
5:50 - 6:10 pm |
11:50 – 12:10 pm |
Dr. Pablo García Fuente |
Maritime Predation in the Bay of Biscay at the End of the Middle Ages |
6:10 - 6:30 pm |
12:10 – 12:30 pm |
Q&A Session |
6:30 - 6:50 pm |
12:30 – 12:50 pm |
|
Prof. Dr. Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea |
Closing of Webinar |
6:50 - 7:00 pm |
12:50 – 1:00 pm |
Relevant Special Issue
Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe
Edited by Prof. Dr. Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025