Jessica holds a BA Hons in History and Archaeology from the University of Queensland and an MPhil in Ancient History from the University of Oxford, where she researched the worship of the Roman emperors. She worked for Oxford University Museums for 10 years before relocating to Brazil. She is mad about the Romans, the Egyptians, the Vikings, the history of esoteric religions, and folk magic and gets excited about the latest archaeological finds.
Education
MPhil Ancient History — University of Oxford (2007)
BA Hons History & Archaeology — University of Queensland (2004)
Areas of Expertise
How Blood Feuds Ended the Viking Age in Iceland
In Viking Iceland, a crime against a family meant that they had to take revenge to restore their honor, resulting in blood feuds that decimated families.
How Roman Citizenship Became the Most Valuable Status
"Civis Romanus sum" were the most powerful words that could be uttered in the Roman Empire, granting an enviable collection of rights and protections.
The Real History of Rome’s Millennium-Long Struggle Against the Gauls
Beyond Caesar’s conquest, Rome and Gaul were intertwined for a millennium of conflict and integration, with Gaul inheriting Rome’s banner in the West.
The 10 Most Heroic Last Stands Where Defeat Became Legend
Explore history’s most epic last stands, from the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae to the Swiss Guard in Rome, which turned defeat into symbols of heroism.
7 Failed Plots That Almost Destroyed the First Roman Emperors
Roman imperial history is plagued with stories of plots and assassinations that changed the course of history. But what about the plots that failed?
How Rome’s First Civil War (83-82 BC) Shaped the Roman World
In the 80s BC, Sulla marched his army into Rome twice to enforce his political will. This was the first civil war that led to the fall of the Republic.
The Seven Hills of Ancient Rome Mapped
Rome was famously constructed around seven hills, each with distinct monuments, neighborhoods, and characters. Discover the seven hills of ancient Rome.
How Augustus’ Moral Laws Controlled Culture in Ancient Rome
As part of his rejuvenation of Rome, Augustus passed moral legislation to rebuild the population and restore Rome’s traditional values.
How the Romans Made Foreign Gods Their Own (Roman Syncretism)
How did the Romans absorb the new gods they encountered across their Empire into the Roman pantheon, and why was Christianity the exception?
The Vicious Viking Tax of Danegeld That Bankrupted Anglo-Saxon England
When the Vikings raided their neighbors in France and England, they often extorted payment called danegeld to leave, though they were always back before long.
How Julius Caesar Became a Living God (Literally)
Roman emperors were often deified after death, but during the dying days of the Republic, Julius Caesar was made a living god, creating a taboo.
How Rome Used the Saecular Games to Reinvent Itself
According to tradition, the Saecular Games were ancient ludi that marked a new era in Rome’s history, but they were largely invented in the Augustan Age.