Historian Andrei Mirea's research delves into winter navigation challenges in the Black Sea during the Middle Ages, revealing that this inland sea was largely inaccessible during colder months. The Byzantine Empire enforced strict controls over navigation through the Bosphorus, restricting access to Byzantine vessels alone until the thirteenth century. The maritime laws stemming from the Theodosian Code and Justinian's Codex defined the sailing season from April to October, highlighting the dangers posed by severe climate conditions including freezing temperatures and treacherous storms, which could render shipping routes unsafe and disrupt trade.
Mirea's study reveals that the Black Sea was largely impassable in winter due to severe climatic conditions and restrictive Byzantine maritime laws.
The Byzantine Empire's control over the Black Sea allowed it to dictate navigation patterns, with medieval maritime laws enforcing limited sailing seasons.
The hazardous climate of the Black Sea made winter navigation riskier than in the Mediterranean, with freezing conditions and strong storms threatening ships.
Mirea emphasizes that the combination of thick cloud cover, heavy rainfall, and extreme cold during winter significantly impacted trade and navigation.
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