Italian researcher and writer Maria Anita holds an MA in History with a focus in Jewish Studies from LMU Munich and a BA in History from the University of Bologna.
Education
MA History — Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität Munich (LMU)
BA History — University of Bologna
Areas of Expertise
How the Hanseatic League Built a Medieval Trade Empire
In the 13th century, groups of German traders and towns formed a trading confederation known as the Hanse (Hanseatic League). It would rule European trade for the next 300 years.
12 Medieval Castles in Italy You Can Explore Today
From Castel Sant’Angelo to Castel del Monte, discover the medieval castles across Italy that marked the peninsula's feudal history.
9 Tower of London Prisoners Who Still Haunt British History
Located on the north bank of the Thames, the Tower of London gained notoriety as a prison where kings and queens locked their enemies. Here are 9 (in)famous Tower of London prisoners.
The Life, Death, and Legacy of the Opera Legend That Was Maria Callas
This is the story of Maria Callas, the legendary operatic soprano who wowed worldwide audiences in the 20th century.
Why Did Kristallnacht Happen?
Why did Kristallnacht happen? The nationwide anti-Semitic violence that erupted in November 1938 was the culmination of the Nazi regime's racial policy against Jews.
The Black Conquistador Who Became the First African Explorer in the Americas
Juan Garrido, an African-born Conquistador, was one of the first Black men to explore the Americas and take part in the Spanish Empire’s conquest.
The Battle Napoleon Should Have Avoided to Save His Empire
In October 1813, the Battle of Leipzig in Saxony paved the way for Napoleon’s downfall.
The Scandalous “Donation” of Constantine That Granted Emperor Status to the Pope
Perhaps the most famous medieval forgery, the Donation of Constantine provided the basis for the papacy’s temporal power and claim of supremacy over the secular rulers.
The Plague Stories in Boccaccio’s “Decameron” Turned Fortune Into a Humanist Awakening
Who was Giovanni Boccaccio, and what made his major work, the Decameron, so influential? Read about this forerunner of the Renaissance and his masterpiece.
How Himmler Turned Witch Hunts Into Nazi Racial Propaganda
Between 1935 and 1944, a group of SS researchers compiled the so-called Hexenkartothek, an archive on witch trials.
10 Priceless Ancient Landmarks We Have Lost Forever
These lost ancient landmarks represent the height of human achievement. Uncover the dramatic stories of how they were erased from existence.
The Nine Heavens to God and Dante’s Paradiso Explained
Follow Dante’s mystical journey in Heaven (Paradiso), the final, and most theological, canto of The Divine Comedy.