In this episode of The David Ian Howe Show, I sit down with Donnie from @eatshistory. a wide-ranging conversation about ancient recipes, Roman cookbooks, and how he turned a passion for history into a career...as a highly successful social media chef.

We cover everything—from recreating Babylonian desserts and Roman legionary rations, to exploring Indigenous pemmican, Napoleon’s last meal, and Britain’s most diabolical pie. Donnie opens up about how The History of Rome and Hardcore History Podcasts inspired him, his journey from amateur cook to internet food historian, and the challenges of turning ancient texts into modern recipes people can actually try.

Along the way, we talk about editing styles borrowed from cooking channels, the power of food as cultural storytelling, why honey was the sweetener of the gods, and what it means to share meals across time. Whether you’re a history nerd, foodie, or aspiring creator, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and fascinating dishes you’ve never heard of.

Also, Donnie was a fantastic interviewee!

Topics include: - How Donnie Dodson started Eatshistory & his early inspirations - Roman recipes, cookbooks, and legionary diets - Ancient Mesopotamian & Babylonian food traditions - Ethiopian, Mongolian, and Indigenous North American dishes - Napoleon’s last meal & Chicken Marengo - The most “diabolical” dish in British history (Stargazy Pie) - Cooking for content: editing, YouTube, and storytelling - What food means to humanity across time

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Connect with Eatshistory:

Instagram: @eatshistory TikTok: Eatshistory

YouTube: Eatshistory

Website & Blog: eatshistory.com

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In this video:

Timecodes:

0:00 Teaser and Intro

2:00 How the Channel Started/ Cooking Meets History

4:30 Falling in Love with History

5:40 Influences: History of Rome & Hardcore History

17:20 Mersu – Babylonian Dessert of Dates & Nuts

19:37 Dulcia Domestica – Roman Stuffed Dates

22:43 Apicius – Rome’s First Cookbook 25:00 Cato the Elder’s Cheesecake (Libum)

30:38 Airag – Fermented Mare’s Milk

32:35 Bantan – Mongolian Hangover Soup

33:41 Papanași – Romanian Donuts

34:34 Napoleon’s Last Meal – Rustic French Breakfast

35:32 Doro Wat & Injera – Ethiopian Stew

38:01 Ancient Nettle Pudding – Prehistoric Britain

40:47 Pemmican – Indigenous Survival Food

43:33 America & Corn in Presidential Dishes

44:54 Thomas Jefferson, Archaeology & Macaroni

48:00 WWII Ice Cream Ship – The BRL Barge 51:26 Stargazy Pie & the Tom Bawcock Festival

57:11 Roman Colosseum & Hygiene

57:59 What Would You Not Try?

1:01:10 SOS Dish – “Sh*t on a Shingle”

1:02:04 Chicken Marengo – Napoleon’s Battlefield Meal

1:02:28 Persian Pomegranate Lamb Skewers

1:05:05 Roman Soldier Diet & Legionary Rations 1:08:46 Content Creation & Editing Style

1:12:30 Shoutouts: @anasofiafehn & @Jose.elCook

1:21:24 Closing Question – What Does Food Mean to You?