Greece, Rome, Byzantium: Empires of the Sea

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From ancient Greek city-states, to Rome and the ‘Byzantine’ Empire, both military and mercantile power in antiquity rested firmly on control of the resources and dangers of the sea. 

Greek city-states built their colonial power on strong navies, Hellenistic empires engaged in naval and mercantile competition from the Adriatic to the Aegean, and Republican Rome vied for supremacy on the western Mediterranean seas. This was the legacy inherited by Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire centered on Constantinople.

With artefacts from the Museum’s collection, Greece, Rome, Byzantium: Empires of the Sea dives deep into Mediterranean maritime history, religion, art and archaeology.  

Καλό ταξίδι! (Bon Voyage!)

Curated by Dr Amelia R. Brown with Dr Adam Brennan

Designed by Mr James Donaldson

Supported by the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane; Australasian Association for Byzantine Studies; and the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, UQ