Ilias is a researcher with a background in Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations.
Areas of Expertise
The Mamluk Sultanate: How Slaves Came to Rule an Empire
The Mamluks, a class of slave warriors, seized power in Egypt in 1250. Their sultanate grew into the Islamic superpower of its time.
The Age of Jahiliya: What Did Arabia Look Like Before Islam?
Ever wondered what Arabia looked like before the coming of Islam? Read below to find out.
Who Was Lawrence of Arabia?
In the 1920s, Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, became a widely-known phenomenon.
Muammar Gaddafi & the African Union: For a United Africa!
In the late 1990s, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya started propagating his vision of a unified Africa. His ideas inspired leaders across the continent, eventually forming the African Union.
The African Union: Achievements, Challenges, & the Future of Africa
By addressing issues on the world’s most turbulent continent, the African Union is maturing as an organization and becoming a driving force in realizing a unified and prosperous Africa.
In the Shadow of Heracles: Alexander the Great’s Hero
Alexander the Great referred to Heracles with great admiration. He claimed descendance from the mythological figure and reputedly named a son after him.
In Debt: How the Ottoman Empire Became Beholden to European Capital
In 1854, the Ottoman Empire entered into loan agreements with European creditors. Over the decades that followed, the debt span out of control.
Living Deities: Ancient Mesopotamian Patron Gods & Their Statues
By invoking their deities into statues, ancient Mesopotamians believed their gods to be present with them. Religious life revolved around the Mesopotamian Patron Gods.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Ancient Egypt’s Hidden History
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is one of the most historically important archeological sites in Alexandria. Learn about the catacombs here.