Greg is an editor specializing in African history as well as the history of conflict from prehistoric times to the modern era. A prolific writer, he has authored over 400 articles for TheCollector. He is a former teacher with a BA in History & Linguistics from the University of Cape Town. Greg excels in academic writing and finds artistic expression through drawing and painting in his free time.
Education
BA History — University of Cape Town
BA Linguistics — University of Cape Town
Journalism Diploma — CityVarsity
Areas of Expertise
Odysseus’ Catastrophic Encounter With Aeolus the Keeper of the Winds
In sight of Ithaca, Homer’s Odyssey takes a disastrous and disheartening turn as the crew opens a gift that was not meant to be opened.
How Vlad the Impaler Inspired Dracula
From a real historical figure to the blood-drinking myth of popular culture, how did Vlad the Impaler influence Bram Stoker’s Dracula?
8 Guardians Who Protected the Underworld in Greek Mythology
From dogs to gods, the Greek underworld was full of guardians, dutifully keeping the world of the dead apart from the world of the living.
Why Did Charon Require a Coin to Get You to the Underworld?
In Greek mythology, before one’s soul can enter the realm of the dead, one must deal with Charon, the fierce ferryman who guards the waters of Hades.
15 Paintings of Circe Throughout the Ages
From ancient Greece to the modern day, Circe, from Homer’s Odyssey, has been a popular subject for artists.
The Emotional Pains That Shaped Van Gogh’s Art and How to See Them on the Canvas
From dark and depressing tones to vibrant canvases saturated with color, Van Gogh’s art acts as a window into his emotional turmoil and his difficult life.
The Warrior Queen Tomyris Who Defeated the Persian Empire
A shrewd and formidable leader and warrior, Tomyris humbled the superpower that was the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great.
How Zhang Qian Accidentally Opened the Silk Road
On a mission to create an alliance, Zhang Qian built something else entirely with information brought back from the west.
Neanderthals vs Homo Sapiens: The Similarities and Differences Between the Species
Neanderthals had unique biological traits that exemplify their evolutionary trajectory, shaped by factors that differed markedly from those experienced by Homo sapiens.
What Happened to Stalin’s Children? A Look Into Their Tragic Lives
Joseph Stalin fathered several children, all of whom ended up living difficult lives.
The Life of Enheduanna History’s First Author and High Priestess of Ur
A powerful religious and royal figure, Enheduanna took the written word and made it her own.
10 Most Famous Orientalist Paintings
In the 19th century, Orientalist painters wowed the audiences of Europe with incredible paintings of exotic wonder.