Monday, January 6, 2025

Today’s History newsletter tackles a longstanding Maya ‘mystery’, reveals the wreckage of a pioneering polar ship; describes one winter’s everlasting chill ... and discovers the coziest gloves. Plus, new warnings on alcohol;
the best time for Japan.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL NICKLEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION 

For generations, historians spoke of the mysterious collapse of the mighty Maya empire. What happened to the builders of these magnificent jungle cities, discovered abandoned and overgrown centuries later? 

New research questions nearly every part of this fanciful narrative, including the whole romantic “vanishing” thing. What do we know now? 

Related: 7 of the year’s most stunning archaeological discoveries 

PHOTOGRAPH BY JBM/VISUM CREATIVE/REDUX 

ANGKANA KITTAYACHAWENG, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO 

The quiet joys of Japan in winter: While others may opt to vacation in tropical heat, this time of year offers a less-crowded Japan. Think sustaining hot miso in comfortable izakayas, or casual pub-restaurants. Or late-afternoon riverside strolls among herons and cranes in this nation’s former capital. On that note, guess what elegant city this temple graces?  

A. Kobe 
B. Kyoto 
C. Nara 
D. Osaka 
E. Tokyo 

Related: 
--Inside Kyoto’s temples and teahouses
--Sake, soba, and stews: Six of Japan’s most sumptuous foods

Today’s Soundtrack: Alone in Kyoto, Air

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter. Don’t miss our adventures in 2025; sign up here. David Beard edited and curated this issue; Alisher Egamov produced it.  

Correction: A photo credit was misattributed in yesterday’s newsletter. The image for story on Mexico’s last cowboys was by Balazs Gardi.