Fabio Fiori, a native of Rimini, Italy, and a seasoned sailor of both the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, embarks on an exploration of Mediterranean winds in his essay, “The Breath of the Mediterranean. Voyages and legends.” Translated from Italian by Sofia Gérard, Fiori, who considers himself an “anemophile”—a person who thrives in the wind—examines the ancient, cultural, and linguistic importance of these powerful natural forces. The book offers readers a journey through the winds that have shaped the Mediterranean world, from the era of ancient mariners to the experiences of modern-day sailors.

Fiori emphasizes the critical importance of respecting the winds, viewing them as “changing, capricious deities.” Drawing from classical wisdom, he highlights that understanding and respecting the winds is crucial for ensuring safe passage at sea. He points out the futility of directly opposing a strong wind,suggesting that patience will ultimately be rewarded by a more favorable breeze. As a sign of reverence, Fiori insists on capitalizing the names of the winds, such as Tramontane, Ponant, and others, acknowledging thier significant influence.

The book delves into the historical understanding of winds, tracing back to ancient philosophers and architects. Anximenes of Milet, whom Fiori calls the “philosophical father of the wind,” considered air a vital principle. Strabo identified the origin of winds in the evaporation of the seas, while Kant viewed winds as currents in the “air ocean.” The Roman architect Vitruvius even advised against aligning city streets with the direction of dominant winds,showcasing the practical considerations of wind in urban planning.

that it is indeed basic to respect them and vain to upset them. What is the good thing to persist in reversing in the face of an opposing wind, while patience will be rewarded by a carrier who will swell your sails to take you safely?

The book also explores the artistic and cultural representations of winds. Weather vanes atop the masts of traditional Adriatic trade boats, such as *trabaccoli* and *Bragozzi*, serve as indicators of wind direction. These vanes, known as *exhibition, Simarole* in Istria and *like* in Venice, are frequently decorated by sailors, transforming them into “popular art treasures.” The wind roses of the Renaissance Portulans identified and named up to 32 directions, though Fiori laments the loss of nuanced language in modern navigation, were “southeast three” replaces the more evocative “lukewarm Sirocco.” This shift reflects a move away from traditional, descriptive terminology towards more standardized, technical language.

Fiori, like Joseph Conrad, celebrates the beauty and expressiveness of sailors’ language, which vividly captures the promise or threat carried by the wind. He lists a range of descriptive terms,from “chilly” to “tempestuous,” to illustrate the wind’s varying intensity. The book also highlights the Lingua Franca used on Mediterranean ships, a blend of Greek, Arab, Catalan, Venetian, and Genoese words, reflecting the diverse cultural interactions facilitated by maritime trade.

The structure of “The Breath of the mediterranean” is based on the wind rose, with eight chapters dedicated to the primary directions: Tramontane, grécale, Levant, Sirocco, Ostro, Libeccio, Ponant, and Maestral.This organizational approach underscores the comprehensive nature of fiori’s exploration, covering the major winds that influence the Mediterranean region. The book concludes with a tribute to three regional winds that hold significant cultural importance: the Meltem of the Greek islands, the Bora Triestine, and the Mistral of Marseille.

How to imagine the Greek islands without the meltem, dear to Kazantzakis and Lawrence Durrell, who shapes the landscape by tilting the trees to the south? Diffrent would perhaps be the poetry of umberto Saba without the Bora Tiestine, or the Marseille police trilogy of Jean-Claude Izzo without the Mistral.

These winds, Fiori argues, are “absolute sovereigns” in their respective regions, shaping not only the physical landscape but also the cultural and artistic identity of the areas they influence. The Meltem,such as,is integral to the imagery of the Greek islands,while the Mistral is deeply embedded in the character of Marseille. The Bora, with its fierce gusts, has shaped the architecture and even the temperament of the people living along the Adriatic coast.

Interviewer: Dr. Rossi, welcome. Your expertise in Mediterranean climatology and maritime history is renowned. Fabio Fiori’s recent essay, “The Breath of the Mediterranean,” explores the profound influence of these winds. What are your initial thoughts on his work?

Dr. Rossi: Fiori’s essay elegantly captures the essence of the Mediterranean winds, correctly highlighting their importance beyond mere weather patterns.He masterfully interweaves scientific observation with cultural nuances, demonstrating how these powerful air currents have acted as both lifeblood and challenge for the region’s inhabitants. His approach, using the wind rose as a structural framework for the book, is notably insightful, mirroring the historical understanding of wind directionality in navigation.

Interviewer: The book emphasizes the importance of respecting these winds, even personifying them as “capricious deities.” How far does this resonate with a scientific understanding of their power?

Dr. Rossi: This personification, while poetic, holds a kernel of truth. Respect for the Mediterranean winds is essential for safe navigation and understanding their impact on daily life. Ancient mariners understood that battling against a powerful wind like the Tramontane or the Sirocco was futile, just as Fiori suggests. Instead, the savvy sailor learned to anticipate their patterns and utilize their power, adapting sailing strategies to the specific conditions. This requires a level of respect bordering on reverence, which is what gives weight to the language surrounding these forces of nature. Understanding the capricious nature of these winds, their predictability within certain parameters, and the need to strategize accordingly, is key to safe and triumphant navigation.

Interviewer: Fiori discusses the historical understanding of winds,referencing figures like Anximenes,Strabo,and Kant.Can you elaborate on their contributions?

Dr. Rossi: These philosophers’ contributions illuminate a long-standing captivation with the winds. Anximenes of Miletus, considered the “philosophical father of wind” by Fiori, recognized air’s essential importance in the natural world. His view of air as a vital principle anticipates modern understanding of its role in weather systems.strabo’s observation of sea evaporation as the origin of winds provided a crucial early meteorological insight.Kant’s metaphorical description of wind as currents in an “air ocean” foreshadows later fluid dynamics theory that underpins modern meteorology. These historical viewpoints highlight the ongoing human pursuit to comprehend and utilize knowledge of atmospheric forces.

Interviewer: The book also highlights the linguistic richness associated with these winds.Why is this crucial to understand the Mediterranean’s maritime history?

Dr. Rossi: The diverse terminology surrounding Mediterranean winds reflects the multi-faceted cultural influences in the region. The precise naming of prevailing winds—Tramontane, Ponant, Sirocco, etc.—demonstrates a deeply embedded knowledge of local weather patterns, crucial for navigation and daily life.The evolution of such descriptive terms, from the evocative “lukewarm Sirocco” contrasted with the modern, less descriptive “southeast three,” reveals a loss of nuanced understanding.Examining this linguistic evolution demonstrates the shift from a deeply ingrained,experiential knowledge of the wind to a more mathematically based,scientific observation. A more nuanced understanding of this interplay of terms allows for a deeper understanding of the region’s history.

Interviewer: Fiori concludes with a tribute to three regional winds – the Meltemi, the Bora, and the Mistral.What makes them so culturally significant?

Dr. Rossi: These three winds are integral to the identity of specific regions.The Meltemi, integral to the Greek islands, shapes the landscape and has inspired writers like Kazantzakis and Durrell.The Bora, a fierce wind along the adriatic coast, is a force of nature that has left an indelible mark on its landscape but has also heavily influenced local building practices. The Mistral, prominent in Marseille, is central to the region’s character, embedded in not only its landscape but also its literary representations. Indeed, these winds, as Fiori notes, act as absolute sovereigns, impacting architecture, art, local traditions, even the very psychology of the communities they shape.

Interviewer: What are some key takeaways for readers interested in learning more about the influence of Mediterranean winds?

Dr. Rossi:

• Respect the power: Understanding the unpredictable nature of these winds is crucial.
• Embrace the history: Their impact is reflected in ancient texts, cultural practices, and maritime lore.
• Appreciate the nuances: The precise terminology used to describe them demonstrates a depth of knowledge transmitted through generations.
• Explore the cultural impact: The winds are intrinsically linked to the very identities of the regions they influence.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. rossi, for this insightful discussion. Your expertise has truly illuminated the multifaceted nature of the Mediterranean winds, demonstrating that these powerful forces are more than just weather; they are formative elements of the region’s cultural, linguistic and historical identity. We encourage our readers to delve deeper into this engaging topic and share their thoughts in our comments section. What are your thoughts on social media, where we can encourage this conversation?

Dr. Rossi: Absolutely! Engaging discussions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook are a great way to foster further interest in the cultural impact of the Mediterranean winds, and to generate productive conversations between scientists and others interested in this fascinating subject.