The Normandy Invasion
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day with Britannica
Secrets Buried in Sand
The mysteries of ancient Egypt only seem to deepen with each new archaeological find. In the past few weeks, an ancient Egyptian treatment for cancer came to light; a possible explanation for the transport of pyramid stones emerged; and a sarcophagus belonging to Ramses II was announced hiding in plain sight. Taken together, the stories testify to the enduring allure of a civilization so advanced that we’re still trying to solve its puzzles thousands of years later.
The History and Mysteries of Ancient Egypt
© Maksym Gorpenyuk/Shutterstock.com
What Made Ancient Egypt So Successful?
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Mikhail Kokhanchikov/Dreamstime.com
Who Really Built the Pyramids of Giza?
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Watching This Weekend
This weekend features a few big events, notably elections in Mexico and India, an Olympics preview, and a space craft’s first crewed flight.
Mexico’s historic vote
As Mexico heads to the polls this weekend to decide who will replace popular outgoing Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, one thing is certain: the country will have its first woman president. The race pits front-runner Claudia Sheinbaum, the former Mexico City mayor aligned with the outgoing president, against opposition candidate, Xóchitl Gálvez, a businesswoman and former senator, in a highly polarized environment.
Olympic trials
This weekend the U.S. Gymnastics Championships will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, a national trial to determine who will be on the five-person team heading to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. On Wednesday, Gabby Douglas, who won gold medals in the London 2012 Olympic Games, withdrew from the competition, ending her comeback bid. But the U.S. has a deep bench, as other headliners, including gold medalists Simone Biles and Suni Lee, are set to compete this weekend.
Starliner’s launch
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been cleared to blast off on June 1 in what will be its first crewed flight. NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams will be the commander and pilot, respectively, for the journey to the International Space Station. While this is just a test, the first operational mission of Starliner is scheduled for a four-person flight next year.
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The history of sneakers
Trainers, gym shoes, runners, tennis shoes. Whatever you call them, these simple shoes have become ubiquitous.
Colossal squid
It has the biggest eyes in the world, and can grow to more than 14 feet (4.2 meters), and 1,100 pounds (499 kg).
Birkin bag
Produced by French retailer Hermès, this exclusive handbag is named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin.
America Ferrera
This actress was the first Latina and youngest person to win an Emmy for best lead in a comedy series.
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