I spent this rainy Vancouver morning with a cup of coffee and the latest issue of National Geographic, and wow. I’ve always been fascinated by Pompeii, but I thought I knew the whole story. Turns out, I didn’t.
The idea that we can now use AI to read charred, 2,000-year-old scrolls is just wild. It feels like something out of science fiction. And using DNA from ancient toilets to study the gut biome and mental health of people from so long ago? It’s incredible how we’re finding brand new ways to understand the past.
Flipping through the rest of the issue, I also got completely absorbed in Joel Sartore’s work. His decades of dedication to nature photography are so inspiring, especially right now. It really felt like a powerful look at what we’re all trying to protect.
From an ancient Roman city to the Florida Everglades, it was just a fascinating read all around.
Pompeii access provided by Ministry of Culture–Archaeological Park of Pompeii