The Mediterranean Topographies cluster sheds light on trans-Mediterranean entanglements on the basis of their topographical and geographical preconditions by focussing on islands, settlements, sea currents, mountains, the hinterland, transport routes and transport restrictions. On this basis, he examines the development of communities, the formation of larger political contexts through to the emergence of great empires and colonial powers; he deals with the circulation of goods, with trade and exchange relations, with the migration of groups or individuals, but also with the movement of texts and ideas generated within Mediterranean communities or entering or leaving them from outside. Languages and their translation, artistic and literary representation are also of great importance for such relationships.