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 Ancient Greek Became the World’s Lingua FrancaBecoming a lingua franca in any era is never by accident. Ancient Greek would hold that title for nearly 1,000 years in the Near East and Mediterranean.
What Were the Four Types of Roman Roads?The Romans built superb but different roads that still endure today. This plunge into the Roman road network illustrates the four types that held the Empire together.
The Romans built superb but different roads that still endure today. This plunge into the Roman road network illustrates the four types that held the Empire together.
Why Does Latin Still Rule Legislation?Imperial Rome's legacy is more than the ruins left behind. Perhaps Rome's legacy resides in Latin, an unchanging language and the bedrock of legislation.
Imperial Rome's legacy is more than the ruins left behind. Perhaps Rome's legacy resides in Latin, an unchanging language and the bedrock of legislation.
6 Astonishing Moorish Innovations Few Know AboutThe Moors came to Spain as more than conquerors. They soon proved to be anything but illiterate barbarians. The Moors began a series of innovations that are little known today.
The Moors came to Spain as more than conquerors. They soon proved to be anything but illiterate barbarians. The Moors began a series of innovations that are little known today.
Why Were the Battles of Jerusalem, Hattin, and Acre So Pivotal in Crusader History?The Crusader era in the Holy Land lasted from 1096 to 1291. Battles and clashes marked this time, yet three marked turning points. Only one side would prevail.
The Crusader era in the Holy Land lasted from 1096 to 1291. Battles and clashes marked this time, yet three marked turning points. Only one side would prevail.
Why Were Trade Winds So Important in History?By definition, the trade winds are prevailing winds blowing near the equator. And in the Age of Exploration, these airstreams reliably powered navigation, trade, and cultural exploration.
Why Was the Old West So Irresistible to 19th-Century Americans?Freedom, transformation, and opportunity. These words and more demonstrated America’s Old West lure. Millions of Americans and emigrants headed West, hoping for better.
Freedom, transformation, and opportunity. These words and more demonstrated America’s Old West lure. Millions of Americans and emigrants headed West, hoping for better.
The Russian Revolution Timeline: Key Events from Start to FinishThe events of the Russian Revolution became something unexpected. The upheaval shook the Russian political, economic, and cultural core. The Revolution’s struggles resulted in the Soviet Union, a political behemoth for seventy years.
How Did These 5 Ancient Languages Have Such a Historical Impact?According to scientists, written languages appeared some 5,500 years ago. And from these myriads of ancient tongues, these five produced the biggest impact.
According to scientists, written languages appeared some 5,500 years ago. And from these myriads of ancient tongues, these five produced the biggest impact.
Founding Father Quotes, Timeless Words That Built a NationThe American Founding Fathers, whether classically educated or innately wise, left behind a treasury of words. These quotes warn, inspire, advise, and encourage people even today.
What Made French Lingua Franca for Over Three Centuries?Today, English is the world’s primary language. Yet for almost three centuries, French was the world’s dominant lingua franca. Let’s see why.
Today, English is the world’s primary language. Yet for almost three centuries, French was the world’s dominant lingua franca. Let’s see why.
The Lakota War Chief Who Defied the United StatesThe 19th-century American frontier witnessed terrible battles between Native tribes and the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army eventually won, but only one war chief defeated them: Red Cloud.
The 19th-century American frontier witnessed terrible battles between Native tribes and the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army eventually won, but only one war chief defeated them: Red Cloud.