Historical disaster research is still a young field. This book discusses
the experiences of natural disasters in different cultures, from Europe
across the Near East to Asia. It focuses on the pre-industrial era and
on the question of similarities, differences and transcultural dynamics
in the cultural handling of natural disasters. Which long-lasting
cultural patterns of perception, interpretation and handling of
disasters can be determined? Have specific types of disasters changed
the affected societies? What have people learned from disasters and what
not? What adaptation and coping strategies existed? Which natural,
societal and economic parameters play a part? The book not only reveals
the historical depth of present practices, but also reveals possible
comparisons that show globalization processes, entanglements and
exchanges of ideas and practices in pre-modern times.