Erin is a historian who got her MA at Indiana University Indianapolis in History with an emphasis in Public History and a BA at Grand Valley State University dual majoring in History and Writing. Her specialties are women’s history, medical history, and food history. She is the co-founder of History Gals.
Areas of Expertise
Who Was Mata Hari? Life, Spy Allegations, and Legacy
Mata Hari’s name is surrounded by mystery and intrigue; was she really a Word War I spy, or merely a dancer who became embroiled in scandal?
What Were Feasts Like in the Tudor Court?
The history of food from the Tudor Court can give us rich insight into the ways the wealthy lived their lives during this pivotal moment in history.
What-if? 5 Small Decisions That Changed History
History is littered with ‘what-if’ situations that, if handled differently, could have led society in an entirely different direction.
What Do Medieval Maps Reveal About Their Time?
Medieval maps are loaded with coded imagery related to the times in which they were made, revealing elements of medieval myth, religion and knowledge.
How Did Richard the Lionheart Shape the Crusades?
Richard I of England played a pivotal role in the crusades, forging ahead on the battlefield and leaving an example for other kings to follow.
What Can Uruk and Ur Teach Us About the Birth of Civilization?
Through temples, writing, trade, water system, and extensive architecture, the ancient Mesopotamian cities Uruk and Ur reveal humanity’s earliest experiments with organized society, faith, and power.
What Was Daily Life Like in a Medieval Village?
Outside of the fortifications of castles and larger cities – still small compared to today – what was it like to live in a medieval village, with few people or resources, and potential dangers?
What Are the 7 Most Bizarre Ancient Inventions?
These seven inventions are among the most confusing and bizarre to emerge during the ancient world.
How Did Eleanor of Aquitaine Become One of the Most Powerful Women of the Middle Ages?
Eleanor of Aquitaine carved her way into the English court through a series of cunning and tactical maneuvers.
Queen Caroline of Denmark and the Forbidden Love That Rocked a Kingdom
Doomed to an unhappy marriage, Queen Caroline would start an affair with the King’s friend and physician, which did not end well.
Who Was Legendary Pirate Captain Kidd?
Captain Kidd is one of the best-known pirates for the 17th century, whose swashbuckling adventures have become the stuff of legend.
What Court Rules Did Marie Antoinette Have to Follow?
During Marie Antoinette’s reign, her life was constricted by a series of rules set in place by the French court.