VIIᵉ siècle
Eastern Mediterranean
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Victory of the Masts was a naval battle in 655 in which Egyptian seamen serving the Arab forces defeated Byzantium. The battle marked a major reversal in maritime relations and contributed to the weakening of Mediterranean trade. Its aftermath encouraged a shift toward Red Sea, Gulf, and overland routes connected with Egypt.
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Le récit
The maritime war between Arab forces and Byzantium began to affect Egypt's wider economic position during the mid-seventh century. In 655, Egyptian seamen won the Victory of the Masts, a success that dealt a heavy blow to Byzantine maritime power in the Mediterranean. The battle formed part of the expanding confrontation between the Islamic polity and Constantinople.
The changing balance at sea altered the direction of commercial movement. Mediterranean trade declined, while the Red Sea was abandoned in favour of the Gulf and land routes. In Egypt these routes increasingly ran east to west rather than north to south, linking the province to broader circuits of the Islamic world.
The battle therefore had consequences beyond the immediate clash of fleets. It contributed to a reorientation of Egypt's communications and trade, as the province's strategic position was integrated into routes leading toward Arabia, the Gulf, and the overland networks of the eastern Islamic lands.
VIIᵉ siècle
Eastern Mediterranean
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Victory of the Masts was a naval battle in 655 in which Egyptian seamen serving the Arab forces defeated Byzantium. The battle marked a major reversal in maritime relations and contributed to the weakening of Mediterranean trade. Its aftermath encouraged a shift toward Red Sea, Gulf, and overland routes connected with Egypt.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The maritime war between Arab forces and Byzantium began to affect Egypt's wider economic position during the mid-seventh century. In 655, Egyptian seamen won the Victory of the Masts, a success that dealt a heavy blow to Byzantine maritime power in the Mediterranean. The battle formed part of the expanding confrontation between the Islamic polity and Constantinople.
The changing balance at sea altered the direction of commercial movement. Mediterranean trade declined, while the Red Sea was abandoned in favour of the Gulf and land routes. In Egypt these routes increasingly ran east to west rather than north to south, linking the province to broader circuits of the Islamic world.
The battle therefore had consequences beyond the immediate clash of fleets. It contributed to a reorientation of Egypt's communications and trade, as the province's strategic position was integrated into routes leading toward Arabia, the Gulf, and the overland networks of the eastern Islamic lands.