Lakes and Empires in Macedonian History

This book provides a detailed exploration of Macedonia's history, focusing on the unique lakeside village of Psarades and its broader implications.

In Lakes and Empires in Macedonian History, the authors delve into the unique narrative of Psarades, a lakeside village nestled in Macedonian Greece along the shores of Prespa Lake. This village represents a typical Greek settlement, yet it possesses an unconventional way of life that reflects the complexities of modern history. Through their exploration, James Pettifer and Miranda Vickers skillfully unravel the intricate social, cultural, and political history of this lake region, revealing the contradictions that define it.

The book draws upon oral testimonies and emphasizes the construction of national histories, examining how the evolution of international borders, the movement of people, and the role of national identities within imperial borderlands have shaped contemporary Macedonia. By focusing on the lakes and employing an innovative environmental historical methodology, the authors present the first comprehensive environmental history of this multi-ethnic borderland that encompasses Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania.

Ultimately, Lakes and Empires in Macedonian History offers a nuanced and sophisticated transnational account that spans from prehistory to the 21st century. This work is essential reading for scholars interested in the Balkans, providing insight into the region's complex past and its implications for the present and future.