Unveiling the Past: Top Ten Historical Discoveries of 2019

by Jasmine May 11, 2025

written by Jasmine May 11, 2025

Our Top Ten Historical Discoveries of 2019

Ancient Earth

Smithsonian magazine’s most-read story of the year was about Ancient Earth, an interactive map that allows users to visualize how different parts of the world have evolved over the past 750 million years. This tool lets you explore how your specific address or region has changed over time, from the Cryogenian Period to the present.

Henry V of England, Warrior King

Ahead of the release of Netflix’s The King, Smithsonian profiled England’s Henry V, the monarch portrayed by Timothée Chalamet in the film. Henry V was a renowned warrior who led his country to victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Despite his short nine-year reign, he is remembered as a complex and enigmatic figure.

Hidden Japanese Settlement in British Columbia

Archaeologist Robert Muckle and his team have uncovered a long-forgotten 20th-century Japanese settlement in the forests of British Columbia. This community, populated by immigrants and their Canadian-born children, may have served as a refuge from racism in pre-World War II Vancouver. However, the residents were forcibly relocated or sent to internment camps around 1942.

Apollo 11 Mission

The 50th anniversary of the moon landing was commemorated in Smithsonian magazine with an in-depth look at the Apollo 11 mission. The article explored the challenges and triumphs of this historic event, from President Kennedy’s ambitious goal to the Soviets’ secretive launch of Luna 15.

16-Million-Year-Old Tree Tells a Tale of Time

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History unveiled a 16-million-year-old sequoia fossil in its “Hall of Fossils—Deep Time” exhibition. This ancient tree, with its 260 tree rings, offers a glimpse into the vastness of geological time and the evolution of life on Earth.

Calculating Your Dog’s Age

Contrary to popular belief, one dog year is not equivalent to seven human years. Scientists have developed a new formula to more accurately estimate a dog’s age based on its DNA methylation rates. This formula reveals that a 2-year-old dog is roughly equivalent to a 42-year-old human, while a 10-year-old dog is around 68 human years old.

U.S. Military Involvement

Smithsonian magazine’s January/February 2019 issue focused on America at war, exploring the nation’s involvement in conflicts worldwide. An accompanying map, compiled by Brown University’s Costs of War Project, showed that the U.S. military operates in 40 percent of the world’s nations.

Florida’s Python Problem

Florida is grappling with an invasive species problem: Burmese pythons. These snakes have become a threat to the region’s native wildlife populations. Smithsonian contributor Ian Frazier joined local bounty hunters and biologists in their efforts to combat the python invasion.

Confederate Soldiers’ Diaries Reveal Role of Slavery

Historian Kevin M. Levin examined the diaries of Confederate soldiers to shed light on the role of enslaved labor during the Civil War. These diaries reveal that enslaved individuals played a crucial role in supporting the Confederate insurgency.

Mystery of the Devil’s Corkscrews Solved

Scientists have finally unraveled the mystery of the Devil’s Corkscrews, an unusual type of fossil named for its spiral appearance. It turns out that these fossils are actually corkscrew-shaped burrows built by an extinct beaver species called Palaeocastor.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.