Michele Gama Sosa
Location
Berries Springs, MI
School
Yale University, University Of Chicago
Expertise
Ancient Middle East History, Christianity And Church History, Indo-European Languages
- In 2020, Michele finished a dissertation on how the Trojan War might have actually happened historically — no mean feat considering there are barely any texts.
- Michele's blog "Hidden Gems of History" discusses little known events, languages, and people that give our world its diversity and flavor — like the Dalmatian language, or Christianity in China in 800 AD.
- Language study is key to providing perspectives and material otherwise unknown to English speakers — and that's why Michele has endeavored to learn the languages of his primary interests, especially in Eastern Europe and the Romance-speaking world.
Experience
Michele has worked as a writer since finishing graduate school. His expertise is primarily in the Bronze Age Mediterranean, with a focus on the Hittite Empire. However, his interests extend into other historical fields, particularly the history of Christianity, linguistics, Romance languages, and Eastern Europe. His training as a historian is particularly relevant for weaving different threads together to form a coherent picture to explain how the past influences our present world and why it matters.
Education
Michele earned a B.A. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Yale University in 2014 and a Ph.D. in Near Eastern History from the University of Chicago in 2020.
The unique content on Grunge is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with a broad array of expertise in everything from history to classic Hollywood to true crime. Our goal is to provide accurate and diverse content bolstered by expert input.
Focused on accuracy and ethical coverage, the Grunge editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Michele Gama Sosa
-
Here are some of the world's most powerful tribes and the men and women that made them great.
-
Russians and Chechens are commonly seen as enemies, but it appears they're working together. This is the turbulent history of Chechnya and Russia explained.
-
The Kremlin is a fascinating subject for paranormal, subterranean, and history enthusiasts. Here are just a few of the Kremlin's untold stories.
-
World wars differ from others in scale and power. But they are fought for the same reasons: desire for territory, resources, military alliances, or primacy.
-
Boris Yeltsin was an unlikely candidate to reach the pinnacle of the Russian political system. Here is what happened to Yeltsin after the collapse of the USSR.
-
Greenland is a land steeped in mystery. Here are some of the more surprising or interesting things that have been found in Greenland in the last century.
-
The largest peaceful protest ever led to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. This is the history of the Baltic Way they didn't teach you in school.
-
Pan Am made its passengers feel like they were someone. Here is the untold truth of one of the greatest airlines that ever was.
-
Pharaoh Amenhotep III boasted an impressive array of monumental and diplomatic achievements. This is the untold truth of King Tut's grandfather Amenhotep III.
-
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for eight years, with tensions at a high as the U.S. and other countries enter the conversation.
-
Language learners frequently ask "which language is the most difficult?" These are the hardest languages for English speakers to learn.
-
The New Deal was complicated, even leading to a bizarre plot to turn America totalitarian. This is the 1933 Business Plot they didn't teach you about in school.
-
Religious conflict is a defining feature of today's world, often with devastating effect. Here are some of the deadliest conflicts in history.
-
During the Civil War, both the Union and Confederacy produced some brilliant tacticians. These are the best generals of the American Civil War.
-
A centuries-old conflict between two wings of the Catholic Church came to light again in 2021. This is the history of the Catholic Mass controversy explained.
-
U.S. vaccine mandates have been fraught with controversies throughout history. Here is the complex and convoluted history of American vaccine mandates.
-
Here are significant events both from Japan and elsewhere that 119-year old Kane Tanaka, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest person, lived through.
-
The Crow are one of the more interesting yet lesser-known tribes of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. This is the untold truth of the Crow Tribe.
-
The Cuomo family is legendary in New York political circles, but it seems this dynasty may face its downfall. This is the untold truth of the Cuomo family.
-
Catholics and non-Catholics admire Pope John Paul II, but most haven't heard of his predecessor, John Paul I. This is the mysterious death of Pope John Paul I.
-
Here are some of the proposed states that failed to receive admittance to the U.S. and some currently pushing for recognition that might still get their chance.
-
The U.S. dollar is one of the most recognizable currencies in the world, but it has humble beginnings. Here's the secret history of the first dollar.
-
The U.S. dollar is recognized around the world, but what do the symbols on dollar bills mean? Here are the symbols of the $1 bill explained.
-
While Puritan society did enforce strict social mores, many of the negative stereotypes aren't warranted. These are things you get wrong about the Puritans.
-
Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Americas were a diverse and fascinating place. This is what the Americas were like before Columbus showed up.
-
Living until 96 years old, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. This is the untold truth of Queen Elizabeth II.
-
Many classic movies are filled with Biblical imagery and tropes, both intentionally and otherwise.. Here are movies that use storylines straight from the Bible.