In today’s History newsletter, how was King Tut’s tomb discovered a century ago? Plus, did a “werewolf” really terrorize France in the 1700s? The facts behind the mysterious Lucrezia Borgia, and looking back at Pope Francis and his legacy. 

But first: Who was the real Robin Hood? 

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTIE’S IMAGES/SCALA, FLORENCE

Like the trees in Sherwood Forest, the roots of the legend of Robin Hood run deep in popular culture. But just as the outlaw eludes the Sheriff of Nottingham, pinning down the folk hero’s exact origins continues to challenge scholars. Here’s what we know so far. 

More on archaic legends:
— How dragons lost their wicked menace—and became our friends
— Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.

Thanks for reading. In celebration of Earth Day, please enjoy 50% off Nat Geo Digital, now $19/yr!

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVE YODER

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALARASHI ET AL., 2023, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0 

In 2018, archaeologists in southern Jordan made an extraordinary find: Over 2,500 beads made of amber, turquoise, sea shells, and other fine materials. After years of study, researchers have not only reconstructed the beads into their original form—a necklace—but have also learned more about its surprising owner.

ONE LAST THING: Who put the bubbles in Champagne? The answer may surprise you.

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and produced by Alisher Egamov. Catch our latest Photo of the Week every Sunday—and sign up here to get our future adventures in your inbox.