<p>Naval battles have long captured the popular imagination from confrontations between Athens and Sparta in the ancient world to the epic conflicts that took place during the World Wars and beyond.</p><p>In this riveting series of lectures Professor Timothy B. Shutt of Kenyon College explores the naval battles that have helped to establish empires and have changed history.</p><p>Throughout the course of world events as trade and commerce grew in importance and nations became ever more dependent on the import and export of all manner of goods control of the world's waterways and shipping lanes became a key determinant in which nations reigned supreme. As demonstrated so aptly in the World Wars blockades at sea can strangle a nation as effectively as sieges laid against walled cities of old. With studied insight into the events that have shaped the world over the millennia Professor Shutt imparts an understanding and appreciation for the importance of naval warfare in world history - and of the grandeur and daring that define these awe-inspiring clashes.</p>