Gregory Wakeman

A journalist for over a decade, Gregory Wakeman was raised in England but is now based in the United States. He has written for the BBC, _The New York Times_, _National Geographic_, and _Smithsonian_.

Author's socials

Latest from this author

The naumachia (naval battle between Romans), as painted by artist Ulpiano Checa.
Ancient Rome

5 Bloody Spectacles at Ancient Rome’s Colosseum

Roman citizens could enter the arena for free to watch gladiator fights, mock naval battles, wild animal hunts—and plenty of death.

Odysseus on his ship, challenging Cyclops.
Ancient Greece

Who Was Odysseus? Facts About the Legendary Greek Hero

In Homer’s epic poem, the Greek warrior encounters cyclops, sorcerers and cannibals on his 10-year journey home from war.

Bob Dylan performing live in New York, 1974.
Arts & Entertainment

5 Ways Bob Dylan Influenced Popular Music

The legendary singer-songwriter mixed folk and rock, and proved longer songs could become hits.

'Death and the Woodcutter,' illustration for the fable of Jean de La Fontaine. 1893 painting by Leon Augustin Lhermitte.
Ancient Egypt

5 Ways People Have Tried to Live Forever

History is filled with tortured stories of people drinking gold, transfusing blood and taking potions to defy death.