The people from the sparse populations and inhospitable lands surrounding the Baltic Sea have played a creative and totally disproportionate role in the history of Europe and the world. This lecture series examines their history and influence.
The Baltic Sea is shallow and almost landlocked. The lands surrounding it are inhospitable and sparsely populated. One third of them lie above the Arctic Circle. Their early history is an endless tale of internecine violence and strife. Yet its inhabitants have made a disproportionate contribution to the history of Europe and the world. Their influence was once felt across four continents. They have sometimes been described as the first modern Europeans.
The Baltic Rim has spawned waves of colonisers, powerful if transitory empires, Crusading Orders and international trading consortiums. But in time these successes brought their own hazards. The attention of larger political units was attracted. The native populations were ultimately too small to sustain serious political power. Many of them became pawns in the games played by stronger forces. Their fate has been a roller coaster of temporary success and failure. The role of the Baltic Rim in the modern world has changed. Without any of the growing pains associated with other imperial enterprises, it adapted to altered circumstances. Instead of political competition, the Baltic Rim has become an exemplar for good values, education, freedom of expression, and working democracy.
Please note: this lecture series will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 13 October 2024.