Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:58:10-2:59:23

A fresh-water Mediterranean

Turning the Mediterranean into an enclosed fresh-water lake would transform settlement, transport, Roman history, and the global distribution of usable water.

Alternate GeographyFresh WaterMediterraneanRoman EmpireTransport Networks
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Question

How would history change if the Mediterranean were a fresh-water lake with no Strait of Gibraltar?

Short answer

European and Roman history, transport networks, settlement, and even the world's fresh-water balance would change profoundly.

Notes

A Mediterranean enclosed as a fresh-water lake is expected to face intense fishing pressure. It would change European warfare and the development of the Roman Empire. A road network around the entire basin could strengthen its importance for settlement and civilisation. The lake would also change the share of fresh water on the planet.