See the face of a 1,300-year-old man

February 20, 2023
by RJ Hamster

A GASP FROM A LAST OUTPOST OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Monday, February 20, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we find a 1,300-year-old man, search for the truth in Area 51, learn the scandalous history of the Washington Monument, follow the future president who went from zero to hero … and explore the tactile sensations of ASMR.

PHOTOGRAPH BY OSCAR NILSSON

The teeth. Such even and perfect teeth. That’s what a facial reconstruction expert thought when he saw the remains of a body from the last gasp of the Roman Empire.

Found in a grave in Switzerland with his feet pointing north, the man, in his early 20s, prompted the expert to try something he rarely has done.

Let him smile. Who was this man? How was he found?

Read (and see) the full story here.

Please consider getting our full digital report and magazine by subscribing here.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE CANTON SOLOTHURN, SWITZERLAND

Meet Adelasius: He was in his late teens or early twenties when he died, and had unusually good teeth (facial reconstruction shown at top). His grave was lined with rocks (above), which may indicate he was of high social status. Read more.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHAN ELLERINGMANN, LAIF/REDUX

How liquid biopsies (one pictured above) have made it easier to treat cancer

Do I have to replace my gas stove? Here’s what science says

Why measuring wind chill is so important

What’s really going on at Area 51? And why does it still fascinate us?

From experimental to mainstream: Freezing eggs enters a new phase

It’s the ’Succession’ story, except this leader had 100 kids. And he stayed too long on the throne.

What do you mean Abraham Lincoln isn’t technically part of Presidents’ Day?

This future president went from zero to hero

A ‘good fat’ that may help keep you youthful

Be smart: Lifestyle choices really could extend your life

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPH BY GEORGE RINHART, CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

A monumental embarrassment? Are we talking about the same Washington Monument? Yes, the impressive obelisk on the National Mall sat unfinished for nearly four decades. At one point, Nat Geo finds, it was occupied by a political fringe group. (Above, workers at the top.)

YES, IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL

PHOTO OF THE DAY

PHOTOGRAPH VIA LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION

More than Presidents’ Day: Did you know that today also is the World Day of Social Justice? Today’s photo marks the march in 1913 of thousands of women in Washington, D.C., to demand voting rights. A much larger and hostile crowd surrounded them, cutting off the parade route and threatening the women with violence. It would be seven more years until the 19th Amendment was passed.

A FIGHT THAT REMAINS

LAST GLIMPSE

YOUTUBE

ASMR or not? The euphoric-but-relaxing responses to soothing visuals and quirky, textural sounds has spawned an online wellbeing phenomenon. But what is ASMR—and why do only some people feel it? (Above, a glimpse at many forms of ASMR, including, um, turning the pages of National Geographic magazine.)

DO YOU FEEL IT?

Today’s soundtrack: I Am Not My Hair, by India.Arie

Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by Sydney Combs, Jen Tse, and David Beard. Have an idea or link to a story you think is right down our alley? Let us know at david.beard@natgeo.com. Happy trails!

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BREAKING: Congressional DEMAND… | | American Icon Commits SUICIDE

RJ Hamster

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See the face of a 1,300-year-old man

See the face of a 1,300-year-old man

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