Piracy, Pillage, and Plunder in Antiquity: Appropriation and the Ancient World

Piracy, plunder, and pillage were common practices in the ancient world, involving brigands, mercenaries, and state-sponsored piracy, as well as literary appropriation and modern plundering of antiquities. This volume, written by an international group of experts, covers a broad chronological extent from 2000 BCE to the 20th century and a geographical spectrum from Africa, the Mediterranean, and Mesopotamia. Predatory behavior is a nuanced phenomenon that occupies the essential issue in this volume, and it will be of great interest to those studying a range of topics in antiquity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 07 August 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Piracy, plunder, and pillage were widespread phenomena in antiquity, taking various forms and occurring across different regions and periods. This volume, written by an international group of experts, explores the broad spectrum of appropriation in the ancient world, encompassing brigands, mercenaries, state-sponsored piracy, literary appropriation, and modern plundering of antiquities. The studies in this volume cover a chronological range from approximately 2000 BCE to the 20th century, spanning diverse geographical areas such as Africa, the Mediterranean, and Mesopotamia.

One of the key themes explored in this volume is the nature of predatory behavior. While violence is often associated with piracy, plunder, and pillage, it is important to recognize that these activities can be highly nuanced and complex. Predatory behavior can manifest in various ways, from economic exploitation to cultural appropriation, and it often involves a combination of strategies and tactics.

The volume examines the various manifestations of predatory behavior in antiquity, including piracy on the high seas, land-based plundering, and the looting of archaeological sites. It explores the motivations behind these activities, such as economic gain, political power, religious beliefs, and cultural prestige. The authors also examine the impact of predatory behavior on societies and cultures, including the loss of cultural heritage, the displacement of populations, and the disruption of economic and social systems.

Piracy, plunder, and pillage in antiquity have significant implications for our understanding of the past and the contemporary world. They highlight the complex relationships between power, wealth, and culture, and they raise important questions about the ethics and responsibilities of individuals and societies in dealing with cultural heritage and the exploitation of others. This volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of antiquity, offering insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of predatory behavior and its impact on the ancient world.

In conclusion, Piracy, Plunder, and Plunder in Antiquity is a comprehensive and insightful volume that explores the broad spectrum of appropriation in the ancient world. It provides valuable insights into the nature of predatory behavior, the motivations behind these activities, and their impact on societies and cultures. This volume will be of great interest to scholars and students studying a range of topics in antiquity, including literature and art, cities and their foundations, crime, warfare, and geography.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138341005