Topic

Geography & Places

A collection of 113 issues

From Savannah to Sand: Unearthing the Lost Green World of Ancient Arabia

Stunning evidence reveals the Arabian desert was a lush, green savannah. Fueled by ancient monsoons, it hosted vast lakes, river networks, and wildlife like hippos, creating a vital corridor for early human migration out of Africa before its dramatic desertification.

Science & Nature History Geography & Places

The Great Manhattan Giveaway: Why the Dutch Traded New York for a Sugar Colony

In 1674, the Dutch formally traded New Amsterdam (Manhattan) to England for Suriname. While this seems like a colossal blunder today, the immensely profitable sugar plantations of Suriname made it the far more valuable asset in the 17th century—a calculated economic power move.

History Business & Economics Geography & Places

An Island on a Continent: Why No Roads Lead into Suriname

Suriname, a nation blanketed by the Amazon, is uniquely isolated. It has no international road connections to its neighbors. For overland travelers, the journey halts at massive rivers, with the only entry points for vehicles being ferries from Guyana and French Guiana.

Geography & Places Adventure & Exploration

The Secret Fortress of Knowledge: Uncovering the Massive Library Hidden Beneath Bryant Park

Beneath NYC's bustling Bryant Park lies the Milstein Research Stacks, a massive, two-level underground facility. This climate-controlled "bunker" holds over 4 million books on 84 miles of shelving, delivered to readers above by a sophisticated conveyor system known as the "book train."

Literature & Books Technology & Innovation Geography & Places

Riding the Waves: The Glorious, Doomed Story of Brighton's Seagoing 'Daddy Long Legs' Railway

In 1896, Victorian inventor Magnus Volk launched the 'Daddy Long Legs,' a remarkable electric train on 23-foot stilts that traveled through the sea off Brighton's coast. This audacious feat of engineering was a popular attraction but was ultimately defeated by storms and coastal defenses.

History Technology & Innovation Geography & Places

Saved from the Brink: How the Stunning Pink Pigeon Was Rescued from Extinction

Native to Mauritius, the beautiful Pink Pigeon dwindled to just 10 birds in 1991 due to habitat loss and predators. Thanks to intensive captive breeding and conservation programs, this species was saved from extinction, with its wild population now numbering over 500.

Science & Nature Geography & Places

The Six-Day Siege: When an Islamist Coup Unfolded Live on Television in Trinidad

In July 1990, the Jamaat al Muslimeen, a radical Black Muslim group, attempted a violent coup in Trinidad and Tobago. They stormed parliament, took the Prime Minister hostage, and announced control on live TV, leading to six days of chaos before their surrender.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes Geography & Places

Loading more posts...