Jessica holds a BA Hons in History and Archaeology from the University of Queensland and an MPhil in Ancient History from the University of Oxford, where she researched the worship of the Roman emperors. She worked for Oxford University Museums for 10 years before relocating to Brazil. She is mad about the Romans, the Egyptians, the Vikings, the history of esoteric religions, and folk magic and gets excited about the latest archaeological finds.
Education
MPhil Ancient History — University of Oxford (2007)
BA Hons History & Archaeology — University of Queensland (2004)
Areas of Expertise
How Rome Used the Saecular Games to Reinvent Itself
According to tradition, the Saecular Games were ancient ludi that marked a new era in Rome’s history, but they were largely invented in the Augustan Age.
How Asatru, the Cult of the Norse Gods, Returned as an Official Religion in Iceland
Asatru, a neopagan religion dedicated to the Old Norse gods, was established as an official religion in Iceland in 1972; other countries soon followed.
Nephthys, the Dark Sister of Isis in the Egyptian Pantheon
The Egyptian goddess Nephthys was the dark mirror image of her sister Isis, representing the darker liminal spaces, where she was a protectress and nurturer.
How the Gauls First Sacked Rome in 390 BCE and Changed Its Future
According to legend, the Gauls sacked Rome in 390 BCE, an experience so traumatic that it led Rome to create its Empire. But did it even really happen?
How Did Vitruvius the Architect Build Ancient Rome?
The Roman military engineer Vitruvius wrote the only treatise on architecture surviving from antiquity, De Architectura. Why was his work so influential?
How Caesar Crossing the Rubicon Set Rome on the Road to Empire
The moment Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his troops in 49 BCE, the Roman Republic was dead. But the Republic was already on the road to self-destruction.
The Incredible Story of the Viking Who Discovered America
Leif Erikson is known as the first Viking explorer to reach the New World, but he was also responsible for the Christianization of Greenland.
How Viking Raids Became Towns and Changed the Shape of Ireland
The Vikings raided and then occupied much of Ireland for a short but intensive period in the 9th and 10th centuries. How did they leave their mark?
How Livy Turned Rome’s Past Into the Epic History We Still Read Today
Livy may be Rome’s most famous historian, chronicling the history of Rome from Aeneas to Augustus. But he was an atypical “popular historian” in his day.
How Khonsu, the Egyptian God of the Moon, Became a Superhero
Khonsu, the Egyptian god of the moon, has found new fame as a Marvel superhero. What do we know about the ancient Egyptian god?
35 Most Famous Greek Myths Everyone Should Know
Hundreds of Greek myths have survived into the modern age. Don’t have time to read them all? Here are the 35 most famous you should know.
How Rome Ruled Its Vast Empire’s Population Through Provinces
As Rome conquered the lands around the Mediterranean, it created provinces as administrative units to manage its expanding territory and population.