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AN ANCIENT RIDDLE ANSWERED

Monday, May 20, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we learn that King Charles was just the latest odd portrait, unmask a stellar animal disguiser ... and uncover why revered, ancient monuments were tucked in a desolate valley. And, while we’re nearby, the secret of Cleopatra. Plus, test your knowledge and scroll down for two new Nat Geo quizzes!

Two people riding a donkey with pyramids in the background

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GARRETT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

For centuries, explorers have been perplexed by why ancient Egyptians build the grand pyramids of Giza so far from the aquatic lifeblood of the Nile.

Now, they have a trickle of a clue. Actually, it’s more than a trickle.

Related: The search for Cleopatra
Also: Who was she, anyway? See the trailer.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A woman dressed in a burnt auburn/Sienna colored dress from the 15th century.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ART COLLECTION, ALAMY

Charles III isn’t the first: Controversial official portraits over the years (depicted above, Anne of Cleve.)

3,000-year-old tomb surprises scholars

The real Buddha: Scholars are finding clues about the religious pioneer’s early life

10 destinations where you can ditch your car this summer

The health benefits of a sport that’s taking the world by storm

How to cope with stress at work—and avoid burning out

World Bee Day: Move over, honeybees! America’s 4,000 species of native bees would like a day in the sun.

You really are a mosquito magnet. Here’s what you can do about it.

Wildlife has been neglected in this Mexican city. This Nat Geo Explorer encourages youth to appreciate—and support—the ‘last urban natural spaces’

18 outdoor essentials we love

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dolfeini) using its ability to change color and shape to blend in with its surroundings amongst red urchins and other echinoderms, Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID HALL, NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY

If octopuses are color blind … how do they know how to blend into their surroundings? In fact, that goes for all cephalopods. Which one of these things can octopuses change to camouflage their skin?

A. Color
B. Texture
C. Pattern
D. All of the above

COLORFUL CEPHALOPODS

Related: How much do you really know about octopuses? Test your smarts with this quiz!

LAST GLIMPSE

A group of lions lick each other and lay down.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLIE HAMILTON JAMES, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Can’t get any respect: Young scientists and explorers say we have to move beyond our focus on “cute” animals and care more about “scary” species (above, lions) to get a better understanding of the world. What animals do these Nat Geo Young Explorers think we should study more?

A. Bats
B. Blobfish
C. Lemonfish sharks
D. All of the above

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

Today’s soundtrack: Down By The River, Indigo Girls

Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by Nishita Naga, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard. Let us know if you have any suggestions for us.

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