Merle Eisenberg
@merleeisenberg.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of History, Oklahoma State University.
PhD, Princeton University
Middle Ages & Late Antiquity | Pandemics & Plague | Environmental
Podcast: Infectious Historians @ infectioushistorians.com
Also: Arsenal | Mets | Vikings | UConnWBB
PhD, Princeton University
Middle Ages & Late Antiquity | Pandemics & Plague | Environmental
Podcast: Infectious Historians @ infectioushistorians.com
Also: Arsenal | Mets | Vikings | UConnWBB
Pinned
How Mediterranean Economies Were Shaped in the Early Middle Ages
The clichéd image of the premodern Mediterranean economy is stagnation until the twin forces of capitalism and Industrial Revolution kick-started growth an
doi.org
My review article, "How Mediterranean Economies Were Shaped in the Early Middle Ages" in the American Historical Review is out. This was a lot of fun and I try to make sense of 500+ years of recent economic histories. Find it: doi.org/10.1093/ahr/.... 1/
How do I turn myself into a (temporary) sovereign country and get money for all my costs going up?
New Argentina just dropped.
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán says the U.S. will provide a “financial shield” as he struggles to win reelection
Meanwhile Trump President said last week “I don’t want to hear about affordability” as health care premiums explode & food/energy prices rise.
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán says the U.S. will provide a “financial shield” as he struggles to win reelection
Meanwhile Trump President said last week “I don’t want to hear about affordability” as health care premiums explode & food/energy prices rise.
November 10, 2025 at 11:10 PM
How do I turn myself into a (temporary) sovereign country and get money for all my costs going up?
Alright let me try this ask again: what should I read about how higher ed works to continue my learning?
Trying to build up knowledge and maybe start a discussion group (locally? online?) for academics working in the field, but don't research higher ed. Read lots of Chris Newfield, lots of finance/budget books, other books from Hopkins on Critical University Studies. What else should I read/add?
November 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Alright let me try this ask again: what should I read about how higher ed works to continue my learning?
Trying to build up knowledge and maybe start a discussion group (locally? online?) for academics working in the field, but don't research higher ed. Read lots of Chris Newfield, lots of finance/budget books, other books from Hopkins on Critical University Studies. What else should I read/add?
November 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Trying to build up knowledge and maybe start a discussion group (locally? online?) for academics working in the field, but don't research higher ed. Read lots of Chris Newfield, lots of finance/budget books, other books from Hopkins on Critical University Studies. What else should I read/add?
Nice! Give a listen to Sarah's just published book! I'm obviously biased, since she is a great friend and colleague, but worth a listen to learn about her book.
Sarah Griswold, Resurrecting the Past: France's Forgotten Heritage Mandate - @cornellupress.bsky.social, September 2025
www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501...
@newbooksnetwork.bsky.social with Miranda Melcher
newbooksnetwork.com/resurrecting...
www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501...
@newbooksnetwork.bsky.social with Miranda Melcher
newbooksnetwork.com/resurrecting...
Resurrecting the Past by Sarah Griswold | Hardcover | Cornell University Press
In Resurrecting the Past, Sarah Griswold shows how the Levant became a crucial front in a post-1918 fight over the French past—a contingent and contradictory but always hard-charging struggle over...
www.cornellpress.cornell.edu
November 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Nice! Give a listen to Sarah's just published book! I'm obviously biased, since she is a great friend and colleague, but worth a listen to learn about her book.
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Comfortable enough in the end.
Second goal was really lovely from Trossard and Merino, the third made it safe, so we could make changes.
4 from 4 in the CL so far this season, 0 goals conceded, 12 scored. And with the players we're missing, that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Momentum.
Second goal was really lovely from Trossard and Merino, the third made it safe, so we could make changes.
4 from 4 in the CL so far this season, 0 goals conceded, 12 scored. And with the players we're missing, that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Momentum.
November 4, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Comfortable enough in the end.
Second goal was really lovely from Trossard and Merino, the third made it safe, so we could make changes.
4 from 4 in the CL so far this season, 0 goals conceded, 12 scored. And with the players we're missing, that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Momentum.
Second goal was really lovely from Trossard and Merino, the third made it safe, so we could make changes.
4 from 4 in the CL so far this season, 0 goals conceded, 12 scored. And with the players we're missing, that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Momentum.
Great conversation on "Foreign Healthcare Workers" with Eram Alam (Harvard). We talked about how immigration, especially from South Asia, has been how the US has historically addressed doctor shortages. Relevant for immigration debates going on now! Listen: infectioushistorians.com/2025/08/29/f...
Episode 141 – Foreign Healthcare Workers with Eram Alam, Infectious Historians
Marian Devotion and Plague in Late Medieval Italy with Bianca Lopez Episode 134 - March 7, 2025 Bianca Lopez (Southern Methodist University) joins the...
infectioushistorians.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Great conversation on "Foreign Healthcare Workers" with Eram Alam (Harvard). We talked about how immigration, especially from South Asia, has been how the US has historically addressed doctor shortages. Relevant for immigration debates going on now! Listen: infectioushistorians.com/2025/08/29/f...
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Not much of a second half but we did more than enough in the first half to deserve it.
Great 1st 45 from Gyokeres, and thought Declan Rice was everywhere for Arsenal in the second.
3 points.
Clean sheet.
Job done.
Great 1st 45 from Gyokeres, and thought Declan Rice was everywhere for Arsenal in the second.
3 points.
Clean sheet.
Job done.
November 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Not much of a second half but we did more than enough in the first half to deserve it.
Great 1st 45 from Gyokeres, and thought Declan Rice was everywhere for Arsenal in the second.
3 points.
Clean sheet.
Job done.
Great 1st 45 from Gyokeres, and thought Declan Rice was everywhere for Arsenal in the second.
3 points.
Clean sheet.
Job done.
I spend many days dithering about essays that I want to write (or do write) instead of my research to write. Anyone figure out a good balance of doing both want to share?
October 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I spend many days dithering about essays that I want to write (or do write) instead of my research to write. Anyone figure out a good balance of doing both want to share?
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Good second half from Arsenal.
Two lovely open play goals ("should backheels be allowed?!!). MLS assist for Ethan is lovely, but a great flick from Merino in the build-up.
Saka off the bench to score. Youngsters did well. Another clean sheet.
Solid night's work.
Two lovely open play goals ("should backheels be allowed?!!). MLS assist for Ethan is lovely, but a great flick from Merino in the build-up.
Saka off the bench to score. Youngsters did well. Another clean sheet.
Solid night's work.
October 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Good second half from Arsenal.
Two lovely open play goals ("should backheels be allowed?!!). MLS assist for Ethan is lovely, but a great flick from Merino in the build-up.
Saka off the bench to score. Youngsters did well. Another clean sheet.
Solid night's work.
Two lovely open play goals ("should backheels be allowed?!!). MLS assist for Ethan is lovely, but a great flick from Merino in the build-up.
Saka off the bench to score. Youngsters did well. Another clean sheet.
Solid night's work.
Definitely worth a read as today's article on university management, research, and costs: www.chronicle.com/article/rese...
Research Is the U. of Chicago’s Lifeblood. Its Board Is Killing It.
A great university could be reduced to a shell of its former self.
www.chronicle.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Definitely worth a read as today's article on university management, research, and costs: www.chronicle.com/article/rese...
I approve of this mix up of UConn WBB and Arsenal: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
WNBA star Bueckers enjoys Arsenal win
Dallas Wings' star Paige Bueckers watched Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the Emirates.
www.espn.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I approve of this mix up of UConn WBB and Arsenal: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Oooof - that was hard work, but exactly the kind of game you have to be able to grind out if you want to win the title.
Maybe a bit of a hangover from midweek, but Eze had the moment of quality to earn three points.
With Man City and Liverpool both losing, this was a really big win.
Maybe a bit of a hangover from midweek, but Eze had the moment of quality to earn three points.
With Man City and Liverpool both losing, this was a really big win.
October 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Oooof - that was hard work, but exactly the kind of game you have to be able to grind out if you want to win the title.
Maybe a bit of a hangover from midweek, but Eze had the moment of quality to earn three points.
With Man City and Liverpool both losing, this was a really big win.
Maybe a bit of a hangover from midweek, but Eze had the moment of quality to earn three points.
With Man City and Liverpool both losing, this was a really big win.
Yesterday a post on German higher ed, so today a post on UK higher ed. Worth a read in full for parsing of policies, which (ironically?) is a key skill set of humanities/social sciences that is not valued since it cannot be quantified.
So I've been reading the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. There's some good things in there. But when it comes to universities there's very little to cheer. The situation is very tough and will get worse. The last chance to preserve what we've got has passed. Let me explain why. (1/?)
October 25, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Yesterday a post on German higher ed, so today a post on UK higher ed. Worth a read in full for parsing of policies, which (ironically?) is a key skill set of humanities/social sciences that is not valued since it cannot be quantified.
Well worth the read, especially for US based medievalists, to get a sense that the lack of jobs and the slow deterioration of medieval studies as a global problem. Do what you can individually, but also build networks and communities.
My blog post with the ADAM network has now been published. It's about precarity, the future of small subjects, and communal approaches to academic work. I hope it will resonate with some. #IchBinHanna #KleineFaecher #SkandiRetten
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
Hard Times and Trial Approaches: Old Norse-Icelandic Studies Between Precarity and the Future
Dr Rebecca Merkelbach reflects on her keynote speech at the most recent Saga Conference. Held every three years, Saga Con is the most important meeting of Old Norse scholars, bringing together acad…
difficultmedieval.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Well worth the read, especially for US based medievalists, to get a sense that the lack of jobs and the slow deterioration of medieval studies as a global problem. Do what you can individually, but also build networks and communities.
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Absolutely fantastic second half, and that's a great result against top quality opposition.
Brilliant set-piece to crack the game open, amazing assist from MLS for Martinelli's goal, and great to see Gyokeres get his brace. He needed those goals, regardless of how they went in!
A v positive night
Brilliant set-piece to crack the game open, amazing assist from MLS for Martinelli's goal, and great to see Gyokeres get his brace. He needed those goals, regardless of how they went in!
A v positive night
October 21, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Absolutely fantastic second half, and that's a great result against top quality opposition.
Brilliant set-piece to crack the game open, amazing assist from MLS for Martinelli's goal, and great to see Gyokeres get his brace. He needed those goals, regardless of how they went in!
A v positive night
Brilliant set-piece to crack the game open, amazing assist from MLS for Martinelli's goal, and great to see Gyokeres get his brace. He needed those goals, regardless of how they went in!
A v positive night
Great work below looking at K-12 education and well worth a read. If you want some more, take a look at this piece from @daveaddison.bsky.social and me from a few months back: jacobin.com/2025/05/capi.... Now to replace it? No easy answer here, but I'd go with thinking structurally with taxes. 1/
October 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Great work below looking at K-12 education and well worth a read. If you want some more, take a look at this piece from @daveaddison.bsky.social and me from a few months back: jacobin.com/2025/05/capi.... Now to replace it? No easy answer here, but I'd go with thinking structurally with taxes. 1/
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
A tough day, but three points at a ground where we've taken just one in the previous two seasons.
Like Newcastle away and West Ham at home, we're up on points from these fixtures last season.
Saka the stand-out player for me today, and Trossard with another important goal.
Top of the league!
Like Newcastle away and West Ham at home, we're up on points from these fixtures last season.
Saka the stand-out player for me today, and Trossard with another important goal.
Top of the league!
October 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
A tough day, but three points at a ground where we've taken just one in the previous two seasons.
Like Newcastle away and West Ham at home, we're up on points from these fixtures last season.
Saka the stand-out player for me today, and Trossard with another important goal.
Top of the league!
Like Newcastle away and West Ham at home, we're up on points from these fixtures last season.
Saka the stand-out player for me today, and Trossard with another important goal.
Top of the league!
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Deadline extended to Oct 24!
For anyone interested in the late antique intersection of religious institutions and economic activity, have a look at our CfP! Julia Koch and I will host a session in May 2026 in Aarhus at RAC/TRAC (Roman Archaeology Conference / Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference). Abstracts due 10 Oct.
October 15, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Deadline extended to Oct 24!
Take a look at Brendan's comments below on some of the ridiculous and awful cuts currently happening at the DOE
This past Friday, the Trump Administration made a choice to cut support for vital services people depend on like education funding for children with special needs, financial services in underserved communities, and public health readiness.
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October 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Take a look at Brendan's comments below on some of the ridiculous and awful cuts currently happening at the DOE
Article critique of the day: tinyurl.com/mrxdb4fk. I'll just add that the paragraphs below make the leap from "college is too expensive" which is a structural problem at state universities because of planned disinvestment to Ivy League schools are filled with bad people so we need to blow them up.
October 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Article critique of the day: tinyurl.com/mrxdb4fk. I'll just add that the paragraphs below make the leap from "college is too expensive" which is a structural problem at state universities because of planned disinvestment to Ivy League schools are filled with bad people so we need to blow them up.
Thanks to those who have weighed in. I make it a point not to debate on social media, since it rarely leads to productive discussions. As I learned from in the Justinianic Plague debates, it's more productive to have a coffee/beer in person and have an open ended conversation. Always happy to do so.
October 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Thanks to those who have weighed in. I make it a point not to debate on social media, since it rarely leads to productive discussions. As I learned from in the Justinianic Plague debates, it's more productive to have a coffee/beer in person and have an open ended conversation. Always happy to do so.
Definitely worth a read having read Paolo's book in manuscript form!
Another (quite exciting looking!) book from Tübingen!!
October 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Definitely worth a read having read Paolo's book in manuscript form!
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
Another 2-0 to the Arsenal!
Solid if unspectacular, lovely finish from Rice to put us 1-0 up after Eze should have done earlier. No mistake from Saka from the spot after Timber fouled.
West Ham offered so little, we controlled this one pretty easily.
Top of the table (for now), Interlull ahoy!
Solid if unspectacular, lovely finish from Rice to put us 1-0 up after Eze should have done earlier. No mistake from Saka from the spot after Timber fouled.
West Ham offered so little, we controlled this one pretty easily.
Top of the table (for now), Interlull ahoy!
October 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Another 2-0 to the Arsenal!
Solid if unspectacular, lovely finish from Rice to put us 1-0 up after Eze should have done earlier. No mistake from Saka from the spot after Timber fouled.
West Ham offered so little, we controlled this one pretty easily.
Top of the table (for now), Interlull ahoy!
Solid if unspectacular, lovely finish from Rice to put us 1-0 up after Eze should have done earlier. No mistake from Saka from the spot after Timber fouled.
West Ham offered so little, we controlled this one pretty easily.
Top of the table (for now), Interlull ahoy!
Reposted by Merle Eisenberg
That second half was hard work. Olympiacos were much tougher to play against, but I think we were also wasteful. Trossard had big chances, Odegaard denied by brilliant goalkeeping and defending.
But he got the assist for Saka's late goal, the least his performance deserved. 3 points, clean sheet!
But he got the assist for Saka's late goal, the least his performance deserved. 3 points, clean sheet!
October 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
That second half was hard work. Olympiacos were much tougher to play against, but I think we were also wasteful. Trossard had big chances, Odegaard denied by brilliant goalkeeping and defending.
But he got the assist for Saka's late goal, the least his performance deserved. 3 points, clean sheet!
But he got the assist for Saka's late goal, the least his performance deserved. 3 points, clean sheet!
Episode 140 is now up on "Tuberculosis in WW1" with Eric Story: infectioushistorians.com/2025/07/08/t.... We look at the impact of TB on Canadian soldiers in particular along with writing this history during Covid. Maybe an interest to @benmschneider.bsky.social and his Oslo crew.
Episode 140 – Tuberculosis in World War I with Eric Story, Infectious Historians
Marian Devotion and Plague in Late Medieval Italy with Bianca Lopez Episode 134 - March 7, 2025 Bianca Lopez (Southern Methodist University) joins the...
infectioushistorians.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Episode 140 is now up on "Tuberculosis in WW1" with Eric Story: infectioushistorians.com/2025/07/08/t.... We look at the impact of TB on Canadian soldiers in particular along with writing this history during Covid. Maybe an interest to @benmschneider.bsky.social and his Oslo crew.