Crisis Curry

History Is Having A Replication Crisis

Anton Howes | Age Of Invention | 29th August 2023

The framing here is not quite right; history does not consist of experiments; but this theory of historical errors is a welcome improvisation. "Just as in science, there is simply no time to check absolutely every detail in the things you cite. And even if you do, you may have to follow a citation chain that is dozens or hundreds of links long. History, like any other field, very often relies on trust" (2,200 words)

The 2,000-Year-Old Curry

Noel Hidalgo Tan | South East Asian Archaeology | 6th August 2023

Bronze Age grinding tools found recently in the Mekong Delta carry residues of turmeric, ginger and other spices typically used in making curries. Reverse-engineering a likely recipe from the 2,000-year-old residues yields a curry that is recognisably South-East Asian: "The flavours are earthy and complex, but not burn-your-tongue spicy, due to the lack of chilli and peppers" (1,200 words)