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 violence and strife. Yet its inhabitants 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 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 too small to sustain serious political power. Many of them became pawns in the games played by larger forces. Their fate has been a roller coaster of temporary success and failure. The role of the Baltic Rim in the modern world changed. Instead of political competition, the Baltic Rim has become a role model for good values, education, freedom of expression, and working democracy.
This course is part of The Oxford Experience summer school, held at Christ Church.