First Published in 1964. The main purpose of this study is to look at the many sides of the Levant Company from its foundation, the early years of 1583 to 1605 and to its decline in the 1830s. The Levant Company was an English chartered company with Elizabeth I of England approving its initial charter on 11 September 1592, in order to maintain trade and political alliances with the Ottoman Empire. It includes manuscripts from the Public Record Office, printed materials and documented voyages and travels.