Jessica Suess
@jessica-suess

Jessica SuessBrazil

Member since Sep 25, 2023

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

HistoryAncient HistoryRoman HistoryNorse MythologyThe VikingsAncient EgyptFolk Magic
Roman marble head beside the Ara Pacis Tellus relief.

Was Livia Really Rome’s Most Dangerous Woman?

Poisoner or perfect partner? Roman historians painted a dark picture of Livia, Rome’s first empress, accusing her of several tactical murders.

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Norse mythology artwork showing Thor and the world tree.

The 9 Realms of the Norse Mythical Universe

According to Norse mythology, the universe was composed of nine realms, but what do we actually know about these mysterious worlds?

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Tuatha Dé Danann meme edit of Irish mythology painting

The Mythic Rise and Underground Fall of the Tuatha Dé Danann

The Tuatha Dé Danann were Ireland’s mythic gods who ruled ancient Ireland before being defeated and retreating underground to become the fairy folk.

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Thor from Marvel juxtaposed with mythological Thor drawing.

5 Ways the Real Thor is Nothing Like the Movies

Think you know the god of thunder? From his red beard to his legendary appetite, the Norse god Thor is far stranger than his Marvel counterpart.

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Medieval illustration juxtaposed with a Viking runestone carving.

The Terrifying Viking Ritual That Might Have Been a Total Myth

The Blood Eagle is the most infamous Viking execution ritual, but did it every really happen? Discover the terrifying truth behind the legend.

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Viking battle alongside a mythical creature.

How Viking Berserkers Used Rituals to Prepare for Battle

Viking Berserkers were shamanic warriors who engaged in special rituals to adopt the ferocity of animals in battle. How did their rituals work?

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Torslunda plates and Vendel era helmet.

The Incredible Vendel Prequel That Built the Viking World

Before the Viking Age was the Vendel Period (AD 550-750), an age of wealthy warriors that laid the foundation for future Norse raiders.

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Viking figures and artwork depicting historical Norse leaders.

15 Legendary Warriors & Shieldmaidens Who Defined the Viking Age

While Viking history is full of fascinating figures, these 15 warriors and shieldmaidens defined what it was to be a Viking in the Viking age.

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Bust of Julius Caesar beside a historical Roman illustration.

Why Julius Caesar Refused to Wear the Royal Diadem

In 44 BC, Mark Antony publicly offered Julius Caesar a regal diadem at the Lupercalia. While Caesar rejected the taboo honor, the incident still accelerated his assassination.

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Alexander the Great coin overlaying a classical painting.

How Alexander the Great Became Alexander the God

Alexander the Great’s legendary deeds made him seem god-like to many, but did he believe in his own divinity, and was he ever worshiped as a god?

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Classical engraving depicting a tragic Roman historical scene.

The Only Man Caesar Feared and the Tragic Defiance of Cato the Younger

Cato the Younger was one of the few politicians in the dying years of the Roman Republic who dared challenge Caesar, which made him a martyr.

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Ancient Greek pottery art beside a romantic classical painting.

7 Ancient Greek Poems That Will Change Your Mind About Love and War

These ancient Greek poems about love and war feel surprisingly modern in sentiment. From Sappho to Archilochus, this is the raw side of classical literature.

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