Persephone’s secret The Eleusinian Mysteries and the making of the modern economy Why did the participants in the Eleusinian Mysteries leave no trace of what it was about? Continue Reading →
Peanuts, Senegal and Slavery A new book uncovers how peanuts enslaved people in Senegal and offered a way out of slavery for some France abolished slavery in 1815 but the practice continued long after that in its west African enclaves Continue Reading →
A visit to an ancient Roman bakery Behind the scenes at the Mulino di Silvano in Ostia Antica Farrell Monaco has studied, and brought back to life, the canonical bread of Ancient Rome. Now she brings an ancient bakery back to life. Continue Reading →
The true history of the potato in Europe Let’s hear it for the peasants It may not contain wily aristocrats or superstitious peasants, but the true history of the potato is much more interesting. Continue Reading →
Italian coffee: a temporary triangle Tying together Italy, Brazil and Italian East Africa “The cups might break, but the images recycle endlessly.” Continue Reading →