Cannibals, idolaters, and Sir John Mandeville’s monstrous races; peaches, coffee, cloves, and sugar – all early modern European descriptors of seemingly unknowable, and therefore terrifying, people who also happened to possess some of the most delectable foods and beverages. A conundrum to be sure. And yet, also an opportunity. From the stories early modern travelers, pilgrims, merchants whose voyages took them East comes a new window into the intersection of food, race, and identity. In this talk Jeanette M. Fregulia, Associate Professor of History at Carroll College, steps into a small stretch of that intersection, into the tales spun by travelers of the Mediterranean that also offer a window into how the long history of food and drink is the equally long story of race, through times of cooperation and times of conflict.

TEDxCarrollCollege was filmed on March 14, 2020 under strict social distancing practices ordered by the local Montana government and Carroll College policy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These recordings were not open to the public.

Learn more about TEDxCarrollCollege by visiting www.tedxcarrollcollege.com or www.carroll.edu. Originally from northern California, Jeanette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, a Master of Arts in Middle East Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies, and a Ph.D. in Renaissance History from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is currently associate professor and chair of the Department of History at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. Jeanette’s research and publications center on commerce, trade, and cultural exchanges between Medieval/early modern Italy and the eastern Mediterranean, and also on the history of the Middle East and Islam. Jeanette has lived, worked, volunteered, and traveled extensively around the world. Among Jeanette’s greatest professional joys are leading Carroll students and members of the community on study abroad experiences, guiding undergraduate research, and encouraging students to follow their passions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx