Chelsea History Festival: The History and Natural History of Spices
Spices have been highly valued since at least the Bronze Age, with the so-called Spice Trade, spanning Asia to the Mediterranean.
From the Romans to the Victorians, spices have been a commodity sought out by many, not only for their taste but also the prestige, power and lucrative fortunes that could be made.
Ian Anderson charts the history of spices and their uses, botanical descriptions and classifications. He will also explore the history of the trade, showing how the quest for spices helped drive global exploration, such as Columbus’s fateful voyage to the Americas.
Access to the Gallery is via a narrow flight of stairs. Unfortunately, the room is not wheelchair accessible.
About the speaker
Ian Anderson is a professional geologist with a long-standing interest in history and archaeology. He has lived and travelled extensively in South East Asia for over 25 years. Ian has previously published papers in geology and an article on travel by light aircraft in Mexico, and lives immersed in a ‘foodie’ environment as his wife is a cordon bleu chef.
Date And Time
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 06:00 PM