Mysterious Past

Get ready to go on a journey of discovery through the chronicles of the history of tourism. From forgotten towns to renowned explorers, we'll investigate stories that have piqued our interest and sparked our desire for adventure. Join us as we unearth the mysteries of travel's past.

Our first mystery transports us to the historic Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes that linked the East and the West. This ancient route, which spanned over 4,000 miles, was a lifeline for merchants, travelers, and academics. A mystery has remained for ages among the vibrant cultures and busy markets—the riddle of the lost city of Lulin, also known as the Beauty of the Desert.

Lulin, located on the outskirts of the Taklamakan Desert, was once a bustling Silk Road oasis. However, the city unexpectedly vanished about the third century BCE. Archaeologists have discovered Lulin ruins, revealing a city stuck in time. The desert sands have preserved ancient artifacts such as textiles, ceramics, and mummies that are extraordinarily well-preserved. However, the reason behind Lulin's abandonment remains unknown. Was it a natural disaster, an invasion, or an abrupt shift in trading routes? While speculations abound, the truth of Lulin's disappearance remains a mystery, reminding us of civilization's impermanence and the ever-changing nature of our planet.

Our next adventure takes us deep into the Amazon jungle, where the mysteries of a long-lost civilization are hidden behind the lush trees. For generations, the legend of El Dorado has enticed adventurers with dreams of gold and vast wealth. El Dorado, according to tradition, was a city of unimaginable wealth hidden within the Amazon. Insatiable greed drove Spanish conquistadors to go on perilous voyages. However, their searches turned up nothing but the brutal reality of the Amazon. El Dorado escaped them despite their best efforts. Recent archaeological finds, however, have shed light on the truth behind the tale.

Excavations in the Amazon have shown the existence of advanced civilizations like the Kuhikugu, who built large, interconnected communities. These ancient civilizations thrived in harmony with nature, deploying advanced agricultural practices and engineering marvels. While El Dorado may not have been a unique gold city, the actual value resides in the knowledge acquired through discovering these vanished civilizations. The rainforest, previously thought to be an impenetrable environment, now stands as a tribute to ancient peoples' creativity and tenacity.

Our final mystery transports us to the cold reaches of the Arctic, where daring explorers risked their lives in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. For centuries, sailors braved treacherous seas in the hope of finding a faster path between Europe and Asia. They met perplexing events that defied explanation along their excursions. However, historians have been riveted by the fate of the Franklin Expedition, conducted by Sir John Franklin in 1845. Their aim was to find the Northwest Passage, but they never returned. Multiple rescue missions were dispatched, but it wasn't until 2014 that the wrecks of Franklin's ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, were discovered at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, surprisingly well preserved.

These discoveries helped researchers’ piece together the expedition’s terrible demise—a frantic struggle for survival defined by malnutrition, disease, and possibly cannibalism. The Franklin Expedition's demise serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that explorers encounter in unfamiliar territory. With its cold temperatures and fluctuating ice, the Arctic has claimed the lives of many daring explorers throughout history.

As we come to the end of our voyage through the fascinating past of travel, we are reminded of the innumerable unwritten stories waiting to be discovered. History has a way of grabbing our attention and leaving us in awe of the unknown, whether it's the enigma of ancient cities, the appeal of mythical treasures, or the perils of uncharted territory. Join us on our next expedition as we continue to unravel the mysteries hidden within the depths of time. Until then, embrace the spirit of exploration and never give up your search for truth beyond the surface.