Talia is a writer and PhD student studying the history and archaeology of the ancient world at New York University. Her areas of interest include the ancient Levant and Eastern Mediterranean including ancient Greece, archaeology of the ancient Near East, bioarchaeology, and paleopathology. Talia speaks Spanish and Arabic (as a proud Syrian) and is hoping to add a few more languages to that list in the coming years. When she's not writing, reading, or lifting weights, you can find her on the hunt for the best croissant in New York City.
Education
PhD Ancient World (In-Progress) — New York University
MS Bacteriology — University of Wisconsin—Madison, 2022
BS Anthropology — University of Wisconsin—Madison, 2020
Areas of Expertise
The Origins & History of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is Mexico’s biggest holiday, celebrating ancestors long past with a blend of Mesoamerican and European traditions.
When War Became Sport: The History of the Mesoamerican Ballgame
Competition is at the heart of all sports. In the case of the original American ball game, it was a competition for more than just athletic ability.
Túpac Amaru II: The Greatest Inca Revolutionary You’ve Never Heard Of
The Spanish colonization of Peru hardly went unchallenged. Túpac Amaru II stands the test of time as the most famous Inca revolutionary—and the last.
La Malinche: The Treachery and Tragedy of Cortés’s Native Interpreter
Hernán Cortés’s interpreter, mistress, and advisor is perhaps one of the most controversial characters in Latin American history. Is La Malinche deserving of her long-lasting infamy?