ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Thalassocracy

Thalassocracy is a big fancy word that means a group of people who rule over the ocean. Imagine if the ocean was a big kingdom with fish and whales and mermaids as its citizens, and some powerful humans controlled everything there.

These powerful humans, called thalassocrats, were like kings and queens of a vast underwater empire. They had boats and ships and controlled ports and trade routes all across the ocean. They could fish for food, find treasures deep in the water, and even fight other thalassocracies for power and riches.

Just like how a king could have knights and soldiers to protect their kingdom, thalassocrats had navy and sailors that could guard their territory and explore new places. These sailors were like underwater explorers, discovering new lands and cultures, and bringing back exotic goods like spices, silks, and jewels.

So basically, thalassocracy is a really cool word that means being able to rule over the ocean and all the creatures that live in it, just like a king rules over a kingdom on land.