Posts by Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a historian of early modern Britain & the Atlantic world. She holds a BA in History and Mathematics from Brown University and an MA in European & Russian Studies from Yale University. Madeleine has worked in archives and museums for years with a particular focus on photography and arts education. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, film photography, and reading while cuddling with her cat Georgia.
Ancient Art
June 2, 2021

Archeologists Accidentally Discover 250 Rock-Cut Tombs in Egypt

With thousands of years of rich history full of powerful kings, impressive technology, and monumental architecture, Egypt is an archeologist's dream. New, exciting discoveries are frequently being made throughout the country. From lost golden cities to submerged statues, each discovery helps archeologists, classicists, and historians learn more about Egyptian history and the operations of daily life millennia ago.

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Books
May 30, 2021

Herbals: Elegant Illustrated Manuscripts That Once Dominated Medicine

If you were sick in medieval times, how would you be treated? Likely with a “physick,” tonic, or salve. These medicines would often be prepared by local apothecaries, wise women, or savvy housewives. They were based on herbs and other ingredients, some of which may seem quite strange to those used to modern medicine. To cure a headache, you might try a concoction including bishopwort and garlic.

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Good News
May 26, 2021

Maya Angelou and Sally Ride Will Be First Women on U.S. Quarters Coming in 2022

Can you think of a woman on a U.S. coin? Depending on your age, you may have encountered the Susan B. Anthony dollar or the Sacagawea dollar (which largely replaced it). If you've payed close attention to American coinage, you may have also spotted Helen Keller on the Alabama State Quarter. However, these are the only three women on American coins—or on any American legal tender produced today.

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Health
May 24, 2021

Sobering Study Finds That Overworking Killed 745,000 People in a Single Year

Some people see working long hours as a badge of honor—proof of their hard work and dedication to their job. However, working long hours—by choice or necessity—is not a healthy lifestyle. A recent report by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization was published in the journal Environment International investigateing the extreme health risks of being regularly exposed to long working hours.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.