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History Extra podcast
The invisible tracks that have shaped the world
Nov 21, 2024
Sara Caputo, author of "Tracks on the Ocean" and lecturer at Cambridge University, explores the unseen maritime pathways that have influenced history. She discusses how mapping changes reflect shifts in power and exploration narratives. From the evolution of navigation techniques to the territorial claims of empires, Caputo reveals the stories behind historical voyages. She also highlights the environmental impacts of modern maritime routes and the transforming relationship between humanity and the ocean, showcasing how lines on maps tell profound tales.
33:10
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Quick takeaways
- The transition from verbal navigation to map-based tracking reflects a significant shift in how exploration is perceived and executed.
- The drawing of imaginary maritime tracks has historically played a crucial role in territorial claims and the legal complexities of empire-building.
Deep dives
The Concept of Tracks on the Ocean
The notion of 'tracks' refers to the imaginary lines humans leave on maps that represent their journeys across the world. This idea challenges the conventional understanding of travel, which is often viewed as a linear progression from point A to B. Historically, before the emergence of these tracks, ancient navigators relied on verbal descriptions of routes, making their journeys more contextually embedded and interactive with the environment. This shift to tracking movements on maps reflects the power of ideas and how they can dominate perceptions of space, essentially marking the world rather than dwelling within its structures.
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