Stuff You Missed in History Class Unearthed! in Spring 2025, Part 2
Apr 16, 2025
Discover the intriguing identification of Jack the Ripper through controversial DNA evidence. Explore groundbreaking archaeological finds, including ancient cities and Roman service stations. Delve into the literary treasures revealed by Winnie the Pooh manuscripts. Learn about new insights into mammoth diets and ancient culinary shifts. Uncover fascinating connections to past food practices and spiritual beliefs through archaeology. Plus, hear about the unique stories behind ancient artifacts and even shipwrecks!
38:50
Jack the Ripper DNA Debate
- DNA analysis of a shawl linked Jack the Ripper to Aaron Kaminsky but is not conclusive due to chain of custody issues and lack of data transparency.
- Mitochondrial DNA results suggest a connection but cannot definitively prove guilt or identity with current evidence.
Tech Reveals Hidden Ancient Sites
- Drone, radar, and LIDAR technologies reveal hidden ancient structures like a mega-fortress and a large Zapotec city.
- These technologies allow archaeologists to map and understand sites too large or complex for ground surveys.
Winnie the Pooh Literary Archives
- Discovering extensive Winnie the Pooh manuscripts offers insights into British literary connections involving authors like Tolkien and Enid Blyton.
- Surprising finds like original manuscripts preserve cultural history beyond popular single-item discoveries.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Mystery of Jack the Ripper's Identity
03:01 • 3min
Unraveling Historical Mysteries
05:33 • 7min
Unearthing History: From Ancient Cities to Literary Treasures
12:32 • 7min
Archaeological Revelations: Uncovering the Past
19:14 • 10min
Unearthing the Past: Mammoths and Ancient Diets
29:23 • 6min
Unearthing Cultural Threads
35:41 • 14min
Future Plans and Product Promotions
49:39 • 4min
Naming Jack the Ripper
Russell Edwards
The House at Pooh Corner
A. A. Milne
The House at Pooh Corner is a 1928 children's book that follows the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. The book introduces the character Tigger and includes various humorous adventures involving misunderstandings, mishaps, and happy conclusions. Illustrated by E. H. Shepard, the book is notable for its charming stories and iconic illustrations. It marks the end of the Pooh saga as Christopher Robin was getting older[4][5].
Now We Are Six
A. A. Milne
Now We Are Six is a delightful collection of children's poetry by A. A. Milne, following his earlier work 'When We Were Very Young'. The book features whimsical verses that capture the joys and challenges of being six years old, with themes of friendship, adventure, and the innocence of youth. The poems are beautifully illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard, enhancing the childlike wonder and imagination that define this classic work.
Part two of the spring 2025 installment of Unearthed! features the potpourri category, plus drones/radar/lidar, books and letters, animals, edibles and potables, shipwrecks, swords (sort of) and cats.
Research:
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- Politecnico di Milano. “Ground-penetrating radar reveals new secrets under Milan's Sforza Castle.” EurekAlert. 1/14/2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1070514
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- Archaeology Magazine. “Brazilian Ship Struck by WWII U-Boat Located.” 2/19/2025. https://archaeology.org/news/2025/02/19/brazilian-ship-sunk-by-wwii-u-boat-located/
- Kuta, Sarah. “Warship Sunk by the Nazis During World War II Located Off the Coast of Brazil.” Smithsonian. 2/5/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/warship-sunk-by-the-nazis-during-world-war-ii-located-off-the-coast-of-brazil-180985996/
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- Wizevich, Eli. “Metal Detectorists Stumble Upon a Rare 2,000-Year-Old Roman Sword in Poland.” Smithsonian. 2/25/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/metal-detectorists-stumble-upon-a-rare-2000-year-old-roman-sword-in-poland-180986101/
- Anderson, Sonja. “Archaeologists Unearth Early Medieval Sword Engraved With Mysterious Runes in a Cemetery in England.” Smithsonian. 1/6/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-unearth-early-medieval-sword-engraved-with-mysterious-runes-in-a-cemetery-in-england-180985768/
- The History Blog. “Rare two-handed medieval sword, axes found in Poland.” 2/21/2025. https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72486
- The History Blog. “1,000-year-old scabbard fitting found in Poland.” 3/26/2025. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72759
- Pare, Sascha. “Pet cats arrived in China via the Silk Road 1,400 years ago, ancient DNA study finds.” LiveScience. 3/9/2025. https://www.livescience.com/animals/domestic-cats/pet-cats-arrived-in-china-via-the-silk-road-1-400-years-ago-ancient-dna-study-finds
- Kuta, Sarah. “Staffers Find a Japanese Hand Grenade From World War II at a Museum in Kentucky.” Smithsonian. 1/27/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/staffers-find-a-japanese-hand-grenade-from-world-war-ii-at-a-museum-in-kentucky-180985885/
- Dimacali, Timothy James. “Ancient seafarers in Southeast Asia may have built advanced boats 40,000 years ago.” Phys.org. 2/21/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-ancient-seafarers-southeast-asia-built.htm
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