About Matteo

I'm Matteo Binasco, an early modern historian with a diverse academic background and wide-ranging research interests. I was born in a small town in the southern part of Piedmont, a place known for its excellent wines and superb chocolate. Growing up in this beautiful region, I developed a deep fascination for history, particularly the history of colonial North America.

During my undergraduate studies in Genoa, the hometown of Christopher Columbus, I became captivated by the stories of the Native peoples, the arrival of European settlers, and all the complex dynamics that unfolded. I knew then that history was more than just a passion - it was a calling. So, I decided to take my studies to the next level and headed to Halifax, Canada, where I completed my master's degree at Saint Mary's University.

The Arctic but beautiful Canadian winters gave me an even deeper appreciation for the thorny relations between the native populations and European colonizers. After finishing my MA, I felt ready to take on a PhD, and that journey led me to the stunning western coast of Ireland, in the city of Galway. There, I developed what has become my main research focus - the Irish who migrated to Rome and the West Indies, also known as the Caribbean.

From Galway, I then made my way to sunny Seville, Spain, where I served as the principal investigator on a European project exploring the Irish presence in the Spanish Caribbean. Currently, I work as an assistant professor of early modern history at the University of Siena, where I continue to teach, research, and engage with an international community of scholars.

Throughout my academic career, I've been fortunate to hold fellowships at prestigious universities and research centers, including the John Carter Brown Library, Oxford University, Durham University, Maynooth University, and many others. I've also had the opportunity to present my work at universities in the USA, UK, France, Spain, Australia, and of course, Italy. I consider myself an international scholar, and I relish the chance to engage with colleagues from around the world.

When I'm not immersed in my research and teaching, you can find me indulging in my favorite hobby – surfing. Riding the waves is my great passion and a constant source of inspiration. In fact, I'm always open to speaking engagements at universities near surfable beaches. So, if you're interested in learning more about my work on early-modern Irish migration, foreign communities in Rome, or any other aspect of my research, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be delighted to connect.