Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-244) and index.

Introduction: The blue on the map -- The first to risk their lives on the water -- The Minoans and the first "Thalassocracy" -- The collapse of civilization -- The assault on Egypt -- Greek colonization in the East -- How to build a boat in the eighth century -- Greek colonization in the West -- A typical foundation story -- Ramming -- The trireme -- Polycrates : king, tyrant, pirate -- Darius and the Greeks -- The first naval assault on Athens -- "Flee to the ends of the earth" -- "Pray to the winds" -- "Brave sons of Greece, advance!" -- "Lead the army" -- Yoke mates -- "A bad day for Greece" -- The strong do what they want -- "Thrice nine days" -- Athens at bay -- Hanging by a thread -- Conon the Athenian -- Giant men, giant ships -- Rowing on land -- Sacred chickens -- The first Illyrian War, 229-228 BC -- A different kind of war -- The first Macedonian War -- Greeks will be free -- Thirst for gold -- I shall crucify you -- Three million killed, enslaved, pacified -- Son of a god -- The long peace -- Decline and fall.