Empire and grain From prehistory to today, empires grew on their ability to tax grains
The ability to tax wheat moving through choke points gives empires their power, even today.
Tag: history
Grain and transport As wheat travelled, it created the modern world
Moving wheat from where it grows to where it is eaten shaped the world
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?
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
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.