What we know about Jesus’s existence—and are still learning. Plus, the symbols of St. Patrick’s Day; a Viking discovery; releasing sharks
 | | 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.
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| | 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. | | | |
 | | 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.)
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 | | 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?)
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 | | 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.
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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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