Editing Ionian Sea (section)

== History and maritime use ==

The Ionian Sea has served as a route between the Italian Peninsula, the Balkans, and the Greek world since antiquity. Greek settlements developed along the coasts of southern Italy and Sicily, where many became part of [[Magna Graecia]]. Maritime routes connected these settlements with mainland Greece and the islands.

After Roman expansion, the sea formed part of the transport system linking Italy with Epirus, Greece, and the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Ports and crossings supported military movement, administration, commerce, and communication across the central and eastern Mediterranean.<ref name="mediterranean-history"/>

During the medieval and early modern periods, the Ionian Sea remained an important route for the Byzantine Empire, southern Italian states, the Republic of Venice, and the Ottoman Empire. Control of ports, islands, and narrow passages affected trade and naval movement between Italy and the southern Balkans.

The sea continues to support commercial shipping, fishing, passenger transport, and tourism. Major ports on or near its coasts include [[Taranto]], [[Catania]], [[Syracuse]], [[Messina]], Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and [[Patras]]. Ferry and cargo routes cross the northern Ionian Sea between Italy, Albania, the Greek mainland, and the Ionian Islands.