ABSTRACT
The sea is not the natural element of man. It is not the property of individuals or states. The sea connects and separates land. Warfare at sea is not only a special branch of war but also a special form of human activity at sea. Its setting is determined by political and economic conditions, technology, geography and climate, which all influence man’s ability to live, work and fight on the sea. In this chapter a brief outline will be made of the changing conditions for sea warfare from the late Middle Ages to the advent of industrial society.
