Matt Whittaker
Matt Whittaker is an avid history reader, fascinated by the why, how and when. With a B.A. in History and Asian Studies from University of Massachusetts, he does deep dives into medieval, Asian and military history. Matt’s other passion besides family is the long-distance Zen-like runs.
Articles by Matt Whittaker
How Arab Navigators Mapped the Indian Ocean Before EuropeThe Europeans rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1486, leaving the Atlantic behind. They sailed into the Indian Ocean, the long-mapped domain of the Arabs.
6 Medieval Ships That Dominated Trade and War at SeaFrom longships to carracks, six medieval ships that demonstrate the Middle Ages’ innovative approach to reshaping trade, warfare, and exploration across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
From longships to carracks, six medieval ships that demonstrate the Middle Ages’ innovative approach to reshaping trade, warfare, and exploration across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Why Was the 642 CE Battle of Nahavand Called the “Victory of Victories?”In a historical clash, the Sassanid Empire and Muslim Arabs clashed at the garrison town of Navahand. Here, the rising Rashidun Caliphate broke the formidable Sassanid Empire.
In a historical clash, the Sassanid Empire and Muslim Arabs clashed at the garrison town of Navahand. Here, the rising Rashidun Caliphate broke the formidable Sassanid Empire.
Why Was the Galleon a Game Changer?Occasionally, an event or development occurs that initiates an immense shift. The galleon created that pivot, introducing a new technology that helped launch the Age of Sail.
Occasionally, an event or development occurs that initiates an immense shift. The galleon created that pivot, introducing a new technology that helped launch the Age of Sail.
The Medieval Seas That Defied the Mongol EmpireBeginning in 1206, Eurasia endured years of the Mongol storm. Yet despite their ease on oceans of grass, seas would be their greatest foes.
Beginning in 1206, Eurasia endured years of the Mongol storm. Yet despite their ease on oceans of grass, seas would be their greatest foes.
The Profound Impact of the Moors on European Science and ArchitectureStorming in from North Africa, the Moors conquered Spain from 711 CE on. Their 700-year rule of Iberia would profoundly influence Europe’s architecture and science.
Rome, the Reich, and the River That Bound ThemPsychological or physical: these two points show how the Roman Empire and the Third Reich saw the mighty Rhine River. For both, the Rhine became their common thread.
Psychological or physical: these two points show how the Roman Empire and the Third Reich saw the mighty Rhine River. For both, the Rhine became their common thread.
Korea’s Three Kingdoms Explained (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla)Korea, like Japan or China, is steeped in history. Among this history are Korea’s Three Kingdoms, which existed for nearly 800 years, unique but entwined. Let’s take a look!
How American Black Ships Changed Japan ForeverWhen American black ships sailed into Tokyo Bay in the 19th century, Japan, and its wider relationship with the world, was forever changed.
When American black ships sailed into Tokyo Bay in the 19th century, Japan, and its wider relationship with the world, was forever changed.
Why Was the 1066 Battle of Hastings So Important?One of the most definitive moments in British history, the 1066 Battle of Hastings brought seismic shifts in culture and politics.
How Roman Roads Held an Empire TogetherA good map of the Roman Empire shows its vast reach. Look closer and Roman roads appear like threads stitching the Empire into one.
A good map of the Roman Empire shows its vast reach. Look closer and Roman roads appear like threads stitching the Empire into one.
Why Were Native Americans Called Indians?Incorrect geographic knowledge and a misidentification by Columbus led to all Native Peoples being termed “Indians”. And this term would endure into modern times.
Incorrect geographic knowledge and a misidentification by Columbus led to all Native Peoples being termed “Indians”. And this term would endure into modern times.