El Mediterráneo como puente entre los mundos Griego e Hispánico (siglos XV-XVII)

Abstract

The factors that connected —via the Mediterranean and, to some extent, the Atlantic—the Greek with the Spanish world from late Middle Ages up to and including the 17th century are examined through published and unpublished sources. The author, after some concise references to the decline of the Byzantine navy (from the 11th century onwards), goes through indicative cases that underline the gradual revival of the Greek familiarity with the open sea and maritime transport activities, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. In this framework, he examines the Greek presence in the Spanish navy (mainly in Naples and Sicily), but also in overseas explorations and conquests. According to the author’s assessment, this presence proved significantly higher compared, at least, to other European people who, moreover, had not to overcome the impediments raises by various religious, political and geographical factors, which influenced negatively the connection between the two opposite parts of the Mediterranean sea.