A multiple mummy mystery; an Amazon curiosity; the allure of ancient baths

A multiple mummy mystery; an Amazon curiosity; the allure…

Thursday, June 15, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we cover an unexpected bounty for an early Indiana Jones, find ancient Roman gemstones down a bathhouse drain, question why cities sink … and figure out where Earth’s next ocean will be.

PRISMA/ALBUM

This Egyptian tomb already was a standout—it was the first one found still with its pharaoh’s mummy inside.

But then something else boosted the discovery’s profile even more: a cache of random royal mummies resting in the same tomb. What led to these cramped quarters 3,000 years ago?

WHO WERE THESE MUMMIES?

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PHOTOGRAPH BY V.CREUZE ROV DRASSM, UNESCO

Paydirt: A sunken chamber in Amenhotep II’s tomb holds his sarcophagus, which— to the astonishment of the tomb’s discoverers—still contained the king’s mummy in 1898. At top, an effigy of the pharaoh. Read more.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

PHOTOGRAPH BY NASA, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

What is a sonic boom—and is it dangerous? (Above, the interaction of shock waves produced by two U.S. aircrafts traveling 30 feet apart at supersonic speeds)

This writer just traced his enslaved ancestors all the way to Africa. Here’s how.

This ‘lost world’ reveals a new chapter in the evolution of life

You may be overlooking this nutritional powerhouse. You shouldn’t.

Astronomers find a key building block of life in an ocean beyond Earth

500 baby sharks to be released: An exclusive look at an unprecedented mission

Wildfire season is getting longer—and more intense. Here’s how to prepare.

Who took half of the surrender flag that ended the U.S. Civil War?

Miami, Jakarta, New York City: Why do cities sink?

The end of inflammation? New approach could treat dozens of diseases

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAVIER AZNAR GONZÁLEZ DE RUEDA

Mini-marvel of the rainforest: This animal looks as if is from a sci-fi movie—strange protrusions, weird textures, shapes, and sizes. It doesn’t pose a threat to economically important crops, so it hasn’t been heavily studied—and the purpose of their mystifying body modifications remain a mystery. What is it?

A. Cicada
B. Mosquito Amazonia
C. Treehopper
D. Leafhopper

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

EARTH’S NEXT GREAT OCEAN

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS P. PESCHAK, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

New coast lines: Because of tectonic shifts, the Earth as we know it today was not what it was millions, billions of years ago—and more shifts are coming. Where will the next ocean be? We look to some geological clues. (Above, a diver swims near Isla Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California, a growing body of water that formed just five to 10 million years ago.)

OUR NEXT OCEAN?

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNA GIECCO

Bath rings: Archaeologists recently searched the ancient drainage system at the site of Roman baths in Carlisle, England—and found dozens of intricately carved gemstones (pictured above). How did they get there? And what do they reveal?

STEP BACK IN TIME

Today’s soundtrack: Todo se transforma (Everything changes), Jorge Drexler

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A multiple mummy mystery; an Amazon curiosity; the allure of ancient baths

A multiple mummy mystery; an Amazon curiosity; the allure…

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