Unraveling Linguistic Roots: How Ancient DNA Rewrites the Story of Hungarian and Finnish

Unraveling Linguistic Roots: How Ancient DNA Rewrites the Story of Hungarian and Finnish

As someone who has spent years delving into the past, I’m always fascinated by how new discoveries can illuminate forgotten corners of history. Recently, I came across an article from the Harvard Gazette that truly captured my imagination, detailing how ancient DNA analysis is shedding light on the origins of the Hungarian and Finnish languages. … Read more

Guess I’m Sleeping on the Floor Tonight: A Lesson in Resourcefulness

Guess I’m Sleeping on the Floor Tonight: A Lesson in Resourcefulness

Well, it’s July 25th, 2025, and I’ve managed to make my guest bedroom entirely uninhabitable. Don’t ask. Let’s just say a rather ambitious historical textile restoration project has taken over, complete with dye pots, looms, and what feels like a century’s worth of linen samples. My usual quiet sanctuary is now a vibrant, chaotic testament … Read more

The Original Data Brokers: Peering into the Shadowy World of 18th-Century Spies

The Original Data Brokers: Peering into the Shadowy World of 18th-Century Spies

When we think of spies, our minds often jump to thrilling chase scenes, gadgets, and double-crossing agents straight out of a Cold War novel. But the truth, as it often is with history, is far more fascinating and, in many ways, surprisingly modern. My travels through European archives often lead me down unexpected rabbit holes. … Read more

Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secrets of Hungarian and Finnish Origins

Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secrets of Hungarian and Finnish Origins

As a historian, I’m always fascinated by how new tools can shed light on the past. Recently, I came across a captivating piece from the Harvard Gazette that brought together my love for history and my appreciation for scientific advancement. It’s about how ancient DNA is helping us understand the origins of the Hungarian and … Read more

Echoes of the Frontier: A Historical Journey Through Northfork, Montana

Echoes of the Frontier: A Historical Journey Through Northfork, Montana

As a former history professor, my travels are often guided by the whispers of the past. This year, my journey took me to Northfork, Montana, a place that immediately resonated with the spirit of the American frontier. It’s not just a dot on the map; it’s a living testament to the layered history of this … Read more

Italy’s Garden of Monsters: Where Stone Giants Guard a Renaissance Duke’s Secrets

Italy's Garden of Monsters: Where Stone Giants Guard a Renaissance Duke's Secrets

As a historian, I’ve always been fascinated by the opulent displays of wealth and power during the Renaissance. But sometimes, these displays take truly unexpected forms. My recent travels brought me to a place that defies easy explanation: the Park of the Monsters, or as it’s formally known, the Sacro Bosco, in Bomarzo, Italy. Imagine … Read more

Come Over for Pork & Sauerkraut: A Taste of 18th-Century European Gatherings

Come Over for Pork & Sauerkraut: A Taste of 18th-Century European Gatherings

Hello fellow history enthusiasts! It’s Rowan here. You know, after spending years immersed in the archives, poring over dusty manuscripts from the 18th century, I’ve come to realize that history isn’t just found in grand pronouncements and battles. It’s also in the everyday, in the food people ate and the way they came together. Lately, … Read more

Galway’s Past Revealed: A Powerful Ruler’s Ringfort Unearthed

Galway's Past Revealed: A Powerful Ruler's Ringfort Unearthed

As a historian, I’m always thrilled to hear about new discoveries that shed light on past societies. Recently, an archaeological find in Galway, Ireland, has captured my attention – the unearthing of a ringfort believed to belong to a powerful Irish ruler from the early medieval period. This discovery isn’t just about finding old stones; … Read more