Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.

The History of Canals: Panama and Beyond with Dr. Teofilo Ruiz
Learn with Dr. Teofilo Ruiz

The History of Canals: Panama and Beyond with Dr. Teofilo Ruiz

No events are scheduled at this time. Want to be notified when it’s back? Click the blue button to the right and we’ll notify you.

Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Follow the evolution of canal history with an expert historian as we trace the origins, construction, and impact of these winding waterways throughout the world. We’ll discuss how canals affected trade routes, boosted economies, and the leading pioneers in the various canal ages. 
Our seminar will transition geographically and thematically from the Atlantic (and the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific. We’ll trace the long history of canals in western civilization, including the efforts to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama and the economic, social, and political importance of the Panama Canal today. 
Led by historian Dr. Teofilo Ruiz, this conversation will deepen participants’ understanding of the important history of canals throughout time. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, this conversation will further our knowledge of locks, docks, and the numerous miles of canals that exist across the world today. 

Teo F. Ruiz, PhD is a Cuban-American medieval historian and a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. He is the author of 15 books.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
67%
(4)
33%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
D.B. (South Orange, US)
Excellent seminar!

Dr. Ruiz's talk was really engaging and informative. I recommend it to anyone, if he repeats it, and I'm going to keep an eye out for other talks by him.

J
J.N. (New York, US)

Wonderful worldwide tour of canals in their broad historical context. Sweeping. Beautiful pictures and elegant, evocative descriptions.

S
Suzanne (Hopkinton, US)
Absolutely Fascinating!

I will never look at canals the same way again! In the past, I have walked along some without giving a second thought to their history. Dr. Ruiz (who prefers to be called "Teo") blew open my eyes to the long, storied history going back almost a thousand years.

My only suggestion would be that more time is needed for the amount of information transferred. I also admittedly had to simultaneously do searches of names and locations because there is necessarily a need to assume a degree of knowledge beyond my own.

I may watch the replay again so as to be able to pause and investigate more about the locations, people and technology and catch up on what I missed the first time around.

Very engaging; highly recommend.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S. (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

This was an excellent overview, packed with information, about the importance of canals throughout history. Dr. Ruiz selected historically important canals throughout the world to detail the various ways they have been used and to explain their political importance.

12

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
67%
(4)
33%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
D.B. (South Orange, US)
Excellent seminar!

Dr. Ruiz's talk was really engaging and informative. I recommend it to anyone, if he repeats it, and I'm going to keep an eye out for other talks by him.

J
J.N. (New York, US)

Wonderful worldwide tour of canals in their broad historical context. Sweeping. Beautiful pictures and elegant, evocative descriptions.

S
Suzanne (Hopkinton, US)
Absolutely Fascinating!

I will never look at canals the same way again! In the past, I have walked along some without giving a second thought to their history. Dr. Ruiz (who prefers to be called "Teo") blew open my eyes to the long, storied history going back almost a thousand years.

My only suggestion would be that more time is needed for the amount of information transferred. I also admittedly had to simultaneously do searches of names and locations because there is necessarily a need to assume a degree of knowledge beyond my own.

I may watch the replay again so as to be able to pause and investigate more about the locations, people and technology and catch up on what I missed the first time around.

Very engaging; highly recommend.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S. (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

This was an excellent overview, packed with information, about the importance of canals throughout history. Dr. Ruiz selected historically important canals throughout the world to detail the various ways they have been used and to explain their political importance.

12