Author. Thinker. Other things.
Emperor Caligula's reign from AD 37 to 41 is infamous for its cruelty and excess, shifting from a promising ruler to a tyrant following a mysterious illness. Scholars suggest factors like lead poisoning, encephalitis, epilepsy, genetics, and the corrupting nature of power may explain his decline. His tragic story warns against unchecked authority.
The pumpkin, cultivated since ancient times, has become a cultural icon, symbolizing fall, Halloween, culinary tradition and modern commerce.
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. But we’ve had warning - the decorations started going up in stores the day after Christmas. As a holiday, though, it almost keeps pace with Christmas. The first incarnation of the celebration may go back to Ancient Roman times, with the fertility festival of Lupercalia. St. Valentine himself could... Continue Reading →
I'm enjoying a rare opportunity to indulge in a little bit of curation. At Carnegie Museum of Natural History, we are putting up a new display on human evolution called Becoming Human and I'm working with our wonderful exhibitions team to work through the various stages of its development. It's going to be installed next... Continue Reading →
ERIC DORFMAN 