About Jessica Suess
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
About Jessica Suess
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
Is Edward Gibbon Still Accurate on the Fall of Rome?
Edward Gibbon published his iconic history in 1776, but what do modern archaeologists and historians think of his core thesis on Rome's collapse.
The Tragic Story of Britannicus the Emperor Claudius’ Forgotten Son
Emperor Claudius’s only son, Britannicus, was a victim of the intrigues of the Roman imperial court. He was assassinated and forgotten before the age of 14.
How Norse Witches (Völva) Could Change Destiny and Shape Fate
The Vikings believed in destiny, controlled by the Norns (Norse Fates). They spun Urdr or Wyrd, but Norse witches had the power to see and change fate.
10 Must-Visit Places in Oxford That Reflect 1,000 Years of Architecture
Oxford has been a center of education and innovation for 1,000 years, and this is reflected in the layers of architectural evolution visible in its streets.
Is There Evidence for Early Trans-Atlantic Voyages Before the Vikings?
Was Columbus the first European to cross the Atlantic? Is there evidence that people as diverse as the Vikings and the ancient Egyptians visited America?
How Emperor Augustus Silenced Rome’s Most Famous Poet
At the height of his popularity in Rome, Augustus exiled the poet Ovid to the Black Sea. There, the whimsical author produced a striking series of poems.
What the Pyramid Texts Reveal About the Egyptian Afterlife
The Pyramid Texts are magical formulas used to secure the pharaoh's immortality. They are our earliest record of Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
How Emperor Vespasian Used Omens to Justify His Rise to Power
When Vespasian claimed imperial power, he justified it with more than military might. He used omens and prophecies to suggest he was divinely selected.
Ancient Egypt and the Origins of Western Alchemy
Western alchemy emerged in Hellenistic Egypt when Egyptian metallurgy techniques and religious practices merged with Greek philosophy.
6 Sumerian Myths That Shaped the Ancient World Long Before Greece
Discover six stories from Sumerian mythology that shaped the oldest civilization of the Fertile Crescent and influenced neighboring mythologies.
8 Most Mysterious Objects of the Pitt Rivers Museum
Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum holds some of the world’s best ethnographic collections. It also explores the history of museums and collecting.
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.