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.
Areas of Expertise
The Incredible Story of the Viking Who Discovered America
Leif Erikson is known as the first Viking explorer to reach the New World, but he was also responsible for the Christianization of Greenland.
How Viking Raids Became Towns and Changed the Shape of Ireland
The Vikings raided and then occupied much of Ireland for a short but intensive period in the 9th and 10th centuries. How did they leave their mark?
How Livy Turned Rome’s Past Into the Epic History We Still Read Today
Livy may be Rome’s most famous historian, chronicling the history of Rome from Aeneas to Augustus. But he was an atypical “popular historian” in his day.
How Khonsu, the Egyptian God of the Moon, Became a Superhero
Khonsu, the Egyptian god of the moon, has found new fame as a Marvel superhero. What do we know about the ancient Egyptian god?
35 Most Famous Greek Myths Everyone Should Know
Hundreds of Greek myths have survived into the modern age. Don’t have time to read them all? Here are the 35 most famous you should know.
How Rome Ruled Its Vast Empire’s Population Through Provinces
As Rome conquered the lands around the Mediterranean, it created provinces as administrative units to manage its expanding territory and population.
How the Anglo-Saxons Turned the Tables on the Vikings on St Brice’s Day Massacre
On St Brice’s Day in 1002 CE, King Aethelred ordered the massacre of all the Danes in England, turning the tables on the Vikings.
Frigg, the Most Important Norse Goddess (Mythology & Facts)
As the wife of Odin, Frigg is the most important Norse goddess. She represented wifely and matronly duties, plus she was a powerful seeress.
How Historically Accurate Is the History Channel’s Vikings?
The History Channel has made the Viking age more popular than ever with their stunning drama, but how historically accurate is Vikings?
The Pagan Origins of Christmas That Go Back Centuries Before Jesus
While mass marketing has shaped modern Christmas, the holiday has a long history that stretches back well beyond the birth of Jesus Christ.
15 Medieval Phrases That Prove Old English Slang Was Funnier and Grosser Than Ours
Discover 15 Medieval phrases and their original meanings, some of which we still use today, and others that deserve to make a comeback.
Beowulf: Plot Summary, Facts, and Historical Value
Who wrote the epic poem Beowulf, when, and why? What value does it have as a historical source for life in the Norse world during the pre-Viking Age?