Greg Pasciuto
Greg is a Massachusetts-based writer whose curiosity has always felt unquenchable. He is intrigued by stories from societies across time and around the world, regardless of geographic boundaries. His historical interests are particularly centered on the history of religion and the interactions of different cultural groups.
Articles by Greg Pasciuto
Why Did Ethiopian Rulers Claim to Be Descendants of King Solomon?From the Medieval Period to the Modern Era, Ethiopian rulers rooted their legitimacy in claims of descent from the biblical King Solomon.
The Manila Galleons & Trans-Pacific Trade: What Did They Carry?The Manila galleon trade was a crucial economic network linking Asia with Europe and the Americas for over 200 years.
The Manila galleon trade was a crucial economic network linking Asia with Europe and the Americas for over 200 years.
6 Inquisition Cases From Colonial MexicoThe Mexican Inquisition dealt with thousands of cases during the Spanish colonial era. The following examples show how varied Inquisition trials in Mexico could be.
The Mexican Inquisition dealt with thousands of cases during the Spanish colonial era. The following examples show how varied Inquisition trials in Mexico could be.
The Life of Lu Xun: Writing on China at a CrossroadsLu Xun is one of the most famous authors in modern Chinese literature. He lived during a time of chaotic social transformation.
Lu Xun is one of the most famous authors in modern Chinese literature. He lived during a time of chaotic social transformation.
Bordeaux Wine in France: A Historical PrimerFrance is one of the three largest wine-producing countries on Earth. The southwestern Bordeaux wine region offers unique Bordeaux wines and a rich history.
France is one of the three largest wine-producing countries on Earth. The southwestern Bordeaux wine region offers unique Bordeaux wines and a rich history.
What Was the Mandate of Heaven in Imperial China?The Chinese world order outlined exactly how an emperor obtained the right to rule. He had to possess the Mandate of Heaven.
How Did the Kingdom of Aksum Give Birth to Ethiopian Christianity?Under King Ezana and his successors, the Kingdom of Aksum became Africa’s first Christian state. This was the dawn of Ethiopian Christianity.
Under King Ezana and his successors, the Kingdom of Aksum became Africa’s first Christian state. This was the dawn of Ethiopian Christianity.
What Are the Rock-Cut Churches of Lalibela?The town of Lalibela rests in the highlands of Ethiopia. Eleven extraordinary churches mark important pilgrimage sites for the Christian faithful.
Jansenism: The 17th Century Heresy That Divided the ChurchDuring a time of Jesuit supremacy in Catholicism, a movement of theologians challenged prevailing doctrine. Harkening back to the Church Fathers, Jansenism was deemed heretical.
During a time of Jesuit supremacy in Catholicism, a movement of theologians challenged prevailing doctrine. Harkening back to the Church Fathers, Jansenism was deemed heretical.
Just How Christian Was the Kingdom of Kongo?Officially, the Kingdom of Kongo became the first Catholic state in Africa. But how closely did its people follow the religion?
5 Features of Qing Dynasty ArtThe Qing Dynasty capped off China’s imperial era. Under its greatest emperors, extravagant and varied art forms flourished.
The Qing Dynasty capped off China’s imperial era. Under its greatest emperors, extravagant and varied art forms flourished.
Casta Paintings in Colonial Mexico: How Accurate Were They?Mexican casta paintings seem to imply a rigid colonial hierarchy based on race. But what was the truth of the situation?
Mexican casta paintings seem to imply a rigid colonial hierarchy based on race. But what was the truth of the situation?