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REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

Monday, August 5, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we discover a breakthrough in a 3,000-year-old murder mystery, examine the effects of working long hours ... and look at champion Simone Biles and Olympic-sized pressure. Plus, the danger of hurricane storm surges.

A 19th century illustration painted with bright greens, yellows, reds, blues, and browns depict a sculpture of Ramses III

NORTH WIND PICTURE ARCHIVES/ ALAMY

Now we know. Modern techniques show the neck of ancient Egypt’s powerful Ramses III was slashed to the bone, following efforts by his wives to get their own sons in line to follow him.

That earlier harem conspiracy already had been exposed; but the CT scans and DNA over the past dozen years show his death was no accident.

UNEARTHING A MYSTERY

Related: The search for Cleopatra

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Two nurses sitting at the edge of a sidewalk looking tired

PHOTOGRAPH BY CEDRIC GERBEHAYE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Companies are pushing for a 6-day workweek. How does working long hours affect your body?

Simone Biles has championed mental health rights. How can you prevent Olympic-sized pressure?

What is POTS? Millions of people, including Olympics champion Katie Ledecky, are battling the health condition.

Discover Europe’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Where to travel in August

This 7,000-year-old woman was among Sweden’s last hunter-gatherers

See: Our most compelling images of the century (so far)

Why hurricane storm surges are so dangerous

The best recovery shoes for relaxing after a workout

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Light pollution and fog combining to blur a New York City skyline at night. Central park sits eerily blanketed by fog in the foreground.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM RICHARDSON, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Bright lines, big trouble: Light pollution has increased about 10 percent each year over the past decade, making it one of the most drastic changes humans have made to the environment. Artificial lights that run all night, like streetlight. What's happening?

A. It’s skewing animals circadian rhythms
B. It’s making leaves tougher—and harder for insects to eat
C. Hurts firefly communication and reproduction
D. Makes insects visible to nighttime predators, such as bats
E. All of the above

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

WATCH THE TRAILER

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A green roof with layer of waterproof material that controls drainage in New York City, New York

PHOTOGRAPH BY DIANE COOK AND LEN JENSHEL, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

As the planet warms, how do we keep cool? This summer has been one of the hottest on record, and temperatures are only getting hotter. Air conditioning provides a quick solution, but can strain energy grids. Here are ways to beat the heat without running up your energy bills. (Pictured above, a green roof in New York City that helps control drainage.)

Related: 4 herbal secrets for staying cool this summer

Today’s soundtrack: Spirits of Ancient Egypt, Paul McCartney and Wings

Didn’t catch yesterday’s Photo of the Week? Here it is. Sign up here to get it this weekend.

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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