The sea is a means of transportation as well as a stage for violent battles. It separates nations and peoples - and it can bring them together. It is a site for trade as well as for plunder, it gives us vital natural resources while storms can make it deadly for some. This field studies humans' historical relationship to seas, oceans and waterways.

Sea warfare and naval history are popular subjects within the maritime history field. However, subjects can also range from the ways in which humans affect the maritime environment or how seas and oceans are used as resources for extracting fish and oil. Studies might focus on ports, coastal societies, or a range of other topics. Research can use local or regional as well as national or global perspectives.

Maritime history, archaeology and ethnology are studied within the Centre for Maritime Studies, a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Swedish Maritime and Transport Museums.