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 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.
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.
The 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.
8 Viking Sayings that Turned Hardship into StrengthViking culture arose in a brutal environment, producing warriors and explorers. Eventually, survival strategy sayings emerged, akin to instructions to staunchly face adversity.
Viking culture arose in a brutal environment, producing warriors and explorers. Eventually, survival strategy sayings emerged, akin to instructions to staunchly face adversity.
What Most People Don’t Know About Korea’s HistoryKorea, like China and Japan, has an ancient and well-known civilization. Yet this politically divided peninsula still holds many cultural gems waiting to be discovered.
6 Mind-Bending Quotes from Greek PhilosophersAncient Greece proved to be a philosophy hotspot. What fueled this uniqueness came from their city-states, civic engagement, and reasoning, inspired philosophers to create intriguing quotes.
Ancient Greece proved to be a philosophy hotspot. What fueled this uniqueness came from their city-states, civic engagement, and reasoning, inspired philosophers to create intriguing quotes.
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.
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.