Natural History

Extinctions, Eruptions, and Plague: Awful Years in History

Extinctions, Eruptions, and Plague: Awful Years in History

December 31, 2020

Experts from science, history, and literature take us through some terrible times. Around the world, people can’t...

Primary Sources: A Natural History of the Artist’s Palette

Primary Sources: A Natural History of the Artist’s Palette

August 10, 2020

Exploring the science and stories behind the pigments, from the red ochre of Lascaux’s prehistoric cave to...

On Weather and History

On Weather and History

October 9, 2019

Weather often significantly affects history. Fox’s Jesse Waters dismissedclimate change in a not-so-nuanced manner: “It gets hot....

The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History

The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History

January 29, 2017

Evolutionary tree / OneZoom Lecture by Dr. Stephen Stearns / 01.12.2009 Edward P. Bass Professor of Ecology...

As an academic researcher and teacher of ancient and medieval history, I endeavor to give voice to the ideas and concepts from my studies and those of others and share them with those people seeking exposure to expert perspectives who may otherwise lack such direct access. I believe it is important that we open avenues of productive dialogue between experts and non-experts - both of whom I try to bring together here - in order to elevate the greater discussion of ideas among the engaged populace.

This website is our coffee table, and we invite you to join us - have a seat with your favorite cup of joe and see where the conversation leads.

On behalf of myself and the Brewminate team, welcome!

Matthew A. McIntosh