Histories Webinar | Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe
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
Meet the Event Chair
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Victòria A. Burguera-Puigserver
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.
Prof. Abdeldjabar Seddiki
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.
Dr. Pablo García Fuente
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.
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
In this section, you will find the recordings of this webinar to watch, re-watch and share with your colleagues!
The webinar "Novel Insights into Naval Warfare and Diplomacy in Medieval Europe," chaired by Prof. Dr. Jesús Ángel Solórzano Telechea, investigates the critical role of maritime power in shaping medieval Europe's political, economic, and cultural spheres. Topics include naval warfare strategies, maritime diplomacy networks, fleet organization, economic resources, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in these areas. The event aims to inspire fresh perspectives in the field of medieval maritime studies. The program features Prof. Dr. Solórzano Telechea introducing the overarching theme, followed by Victòria A. Burguera-Puigserver discussing maritime threat management in 15th-century Catalonia, Abdeldjabar Seddiki exploring Gibraltar’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages, while Prof. Pablo García Fuente examines maritime predation in the Bay of Biscay. The event concludes with a Q&A session and closing remarks to foster further dialogue and research.
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