The real Jesus, according to archaeologists

 

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HERE'S WHAT WE  KNOW ABOUT  THE REAL JESUS Friday, March 17, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we examine the symbols of St. Patrick's Day, travel to Jerusalem for signs of the real Jesus, explore early symptoms of colon cancer ... and find out what's going on with the seaweed blob. Plus, why sleep rules us.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SIMON NORFOLK The Son of God? A legend? The historical Jesus likely did walk in Galilee—and meet his end in Jerusalem. Skeptics and believers divide on details—the miracles, for example—but both groups have turned to archaeologists to buttress their arguments. We went to the Holy Land for evidence of the man whose story is celebrated by billions of people.  Here's what we found. Please consider getting our digital report and magazine by subscribing here.

Evidence? In Jerusalem, Jesus healed a paralyzed man at a ritual pool surrounded by five colonnades called the Pool of Bethesda, according to the Gospel of John. Many scholars doubted that the place existed until archaeologists discovered clear traces of it beneath the ruins of these centuries-old churches (above). Image at top: a bejeweled icon that venerates Mary and Jesus. Read more.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID DOUBILET AND JENNIFER HAYES

Will these baby sharks (do do do do do do) make it in the wild? (One shark, a day before it was released into the sea) How sleep rules our lives Venus is alive (volcanically) Nazi U-boats nearly won WWII. See how in these striking maps. Live longer with these foods

Find of the century? A Viking ship—under a potato field What made Catherine the Great so great? What is red tide?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Cancer caution: One in 5 people under the age of 55 are diagnosed with colon cancer; about 30 years ago, that number was 1 in 10. Part of the explanation for increased cases? Environmental and genetic factors—and low screening rates, Nat Geo reports. Learn more about the most common symptoms and how, if detected early enough, colon cancer survival rates are 90 percent. (Pictured above, an abdominal X-ray shows a tumor over the right pelvic bone.) ​ READ MORE

PHOTO OF THE DAY

PHOTOGRAPH BY TED SPIEGEL, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Luck of the Irish: From green-dyed rivers to citywide parades (pictured, Boston in 1974), St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are embedded with symbols and traditions—and there’s a story behind each one of them. (Like, did you know that shamrocks don't actually exist?)  SYMBOLS OF ST. PATRICK’S

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPH BY HELENE VALENZUELA, AFP/GETTY IMAGES The floating blob: Ten million pounds of seaweed is making its way toward Florida's beaches—just in time for peak tourism. Called sargassum (pictured), this golden-hued large macroalgae lives solely in floating patches... and stinks when it rots on shore. Read more about where this seaweed will land, and how it plays a role in warm weather plans. SEE THE SEAWEED

Today’s soundtrack: Left Handed Kisses, Andrew Bird, Fiona Apple Correction: The name of a zebra shark in yesterday's newsletter was misidentified. People working with the baby sharks, who were being released to help save the species, had named one particular shark Aubrey. This newsletter has been curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. Have feedback? Email david.beard@natgeo.com. Thanks for reading!

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