Culture
Man Follows His Spirit and Excavates Mind-blowing Treasure
Many people have hobbies, but only a handful of them dream that it could lead to a life-changing experience. In the case of Mike Smith, who explored fields close to his community as a youth to the point that he invested in a metal detector, not in his wildest dreams did he ever think that he would make one of the most important discoveries in this or any other lifetime.
Here is Mike’s mind-blowing story!
The Electric Jolt
Like every other enthusiastic treasure hunter, Mike would head out frequently with his metal detector to finally come upon something worthwhile.
For years he hoped to strike gold but to no avail. This was, however, not a deterrent because he remained confident that his day would come.
Now in his adulthood, one day, as Mike walked along armed with his metal detector, he was lost in thought. However, the jolt he felt when the machine began beeping gave him the feeling that he was about to come upon something lucky, and he sure did. Little did he know that this would be way over his head, and the authorities would have to be summoned.
Expanding His Search
If you are knowledgeable about metal detectors, you will agree that focusing on the smallest surface area is not a good idea. Mike scanned the surroundings to get a feel of how broad his dig area would be. He expected maybe two feet long at most.
However, as he continued his sweep across the field, Mike the beeping became more intense, prompting him to check if the machine was malfunctioning.
Start Unearthing
Again, his instinct told him that he was about to uncover something special, and so, Mike began digging. The dig started with a regular shovel and reached a depth of two feet pretty quickly as the soil was saturated.
He had found coins previously, so coming up on a coin was a bit disheartening until he saw the uniqueness when the dirt was removed from it. The writings on the coin were strange, and it had a ring linked to it as though it was part of a chain. He felt compelled to dig some more.
Something is Stuck
Mike dug further and hit an item that wouldn’t budge, so he tried to grasp it with his hands, and he became startled. He knew it was metal as he could see a bit of the sheen but was clueless about what it was, so he continued digging.
No amount of effort could make whatever it was move, and Mike began pondering if it was attached to something bigger or if it was something he shouldn’t retrieve from the earth.
There Was More, Including A Chain
Mike came to the realization that what he was trying to retrieve was connected to another object. His determination grew, and Mike went full fledged into a task that would bear not just treasures but change his life forever.
Mike remained focused, digging harder and deeper, but the job became more tedious. Then suddenly, he found a circle, then two others, and he suddenly realized it was a vast chain connected to something. This treasure hunting hobbyist was about to uncover something unbelievable.
Twilight Zone
Initially, Mike thought it would be a quick dig and move along to the next adventure, but he had been digging for hours in the field. Now it was twilight, and the realization hit that he’d have to head home and return at dawn to uncover the mysterious item.
However, sleep eluded him that night as first he recalled burial basins that had been found in Pembrokeshire, then pondered whether he was digging up something menacing. It was a misery-filled night.
Arise to More Mystery
Mike awoke ready to delve back into his mission and went straight back to his discovery area to resume digging.
After Mike finished the chains, he started digging around them. During a few parts of the quest, his mind drifted, and he fantasized about unearthing an old treasure.
As he began to snap back to reality, he realized there was now a large hole beneath the chain. He did not worry about this and just dug in without considering that this would likely cause him to fall.
The Big Fall
In a matter of seconds, he discovered that he was falling, landing nearly ten feet below the surface. Other than the shock, Mike was unscathed. Fortunately, he was prepared for any eventualities and had his backpack the entire time with a flashlight.
Not long after, Mike noticed that something was outside the norm. What was initially a hole was found to be a tube-like passage. When he saw what was on the tunnel walls, Mike stared in awe.
Spectacular Etching
Surfaces were coated with a huge amount of peculiar etchings carved into them. Still, in amazement, he eyed the markings. He was suspicious that some of the markings were somewhat familiar.
He got reasonably close to the v-shaped symbols and noticed they appeared similar to two V’s connected. The engravings could be seen all over the tunnel, and some weren’t as neat as others, appearing to have been done in a rush.
He followed the markings, which led to a second entryway. On the ground, to the entrance, Mike detected something intriguing in the soil.
The Intriguing Find
Mike had found himself in peculiar situations before but nothing like this. He reached out and touched the brown substance he saw at the entrance, and to his disbelief, it was human remains. He found a real human tooth, which led him to ponder whether he’d be discovering full human remains.
He couldn’t fathom why human remains would be there, and his mind became flooded with all sorts of weird thoughts.
Time To Get Help
Mike knew that he could no longer pursue this independently and would need the authorities’ assistance, mostly if there were skeletal remains.
However, he was in a predicament as he could not climb back out of the hole, but luckily, his cellphone picked up when he walked back out of the tunnel, and he called the National Museum of Wales. They were not receptive initially.
A Joint Effort
However, they listened more and decided to assist. The initial reluctance was due to the museum’s archaeologists having searched the area previously to no avail.
Once they heard about what Mike had discovered so far, especially the chain and engravings, their attitude changed and amid his excitement, he nearly missed telling them he was still stuck in the hole.
As they wrapped up the conversation, he let them know his situation, and shocked rescue team and digging experts turned up. Mike was happy for both the rescue and the team’s assistance with the right tools and expertise to help uncover the mystery.
More Mystery Unraveled
A few months after Mike’s spectacular discovery, the field area was cordoned off into an official excavation site. They found tons of artifacts leading to the discovery of ancient chariot wheels.
Now Mike’s project was drawing attention from archaeologists all over and fellow treasure hunters, especially when the chain connection was finally unraveled.
Remarkably, it was a Celtic horse saddle crossing part. Mike’s ordinary metal detector discovery was officially a noteworthy occurrence.
What The Etchings Mean
It turns out that the engravings on the walls of the tunnel were quite crucial to ancient religious people to keep witches at bay, according to archaeological experts.
Officially, the etchings are known as Marian marks, representing the Virgin Mary and was considered protection. It was clear though that these etchings were hurriedly done and everyone wanted to know why.
The archaeologists believe that the discovery was from the 1300 to 1800 underworld era, where people feared metaphysical forces and sought to safeguard themselves, but there was more to be revealed.
Another Hypothesis
Through the 14th century, the regions of Pembrokeshire faced a lot of struggles from sickness, inequality and starvation. A former professor of theology stated that the engravings had been invading the town and causing it to have an atmosphere of dread and mysticism.
Discovering Traditional Customs
It later turned out that the chariot was there for about 2500 years. Whereas Mike assumed it would be difficult to find skeletal remains there, it turned out not to be the situation.
It is likely that the Commander or Monarch ended up getting laid to rest with their chariot in the enclosure. This was a common practice, particularly for political elites. The explanation of the chamber’s movement differed from the official explanation.
The Chariot Uncovers Everything
Even as Mike thought the molar was human, it turns out it belonged to one of the horses that pulled the chariot. During the 14th century, it was not particularly unusual for individuals of importance to be buried with their precious items.
The specialists have a hard time trying to understand this: it is common for burial wheels to be flat on the ground. The wheels were parallel with the floor, causing the archaeologists to be puzzled.
Power Tools To The Rescue
It was a huge feat Mike had found as much as he did on his two visits to the location. Eventually, they would bring in more workers, dig down with power tools, and uncover the secrets below.
Archaeologists quickly took steps to cover the area, as well as installing state of the art technology such as sonar and radar, and were now able to see things clearly.
About Mike’s Discovery
The evidence was that Mike wandered onto a tomb, but this could not be more precise since the area in question is a Celtic establishment.
The 12-meter wide ditch was revealed once the heavy equipment had been brought in. Even more studies showed two extra similar sized ditches. It confirmed the presence of two more presumed graves that were soon discovered and reviewed.
Tracking All The Advancements
During his site visit, Mike discovered prehistoric inscriptions, burials, ditch chains and a Celtic village. They asked him to aid them in the field which generated even more favorable results.
He found bronze components, tools, a pendant and more. He spoke of the experience as one of the most fascinating experiences in life.
Mike Gets A Huge Payday
Mike has his metal detector as a hobby that earned him little money. Even after discovering the tomb, he had no clue how impactful on his life it would be. Mike received a whole lot of money for his discovery.
It was one of the most exciting metal detector discoveries ever. For many hobbyists, their search yields nothing more than junks and coins. Mike’s life changed with historical significance, wealth, by one beep on his metal detector. Life is always unpredictable.
In a significant conservation effort, nearly 8,000 acres of Alabama’s most sensitive and ecologically important land have been preserved forever. The project, made possible through a multi-million dollar collaboration involving The Nature Conservancy in Alabama, Patagonia, and an undisclosed donor, aims to protect the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often referred to as America’s Amazon.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a vast and diverse ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including numerous species of fish, birds, and mammals. The delta serves as an important habitat for many threatened and endangered species, making its conservation crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
Mitch Reid, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Alabama, described the land purchase as one of the most important conservation victories, emphasizing its critical importance to the health of the Mobile Delta, Mobile Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The protected area will help maintain water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty of the region.
The project is part of a long-term strategy to protect America’s Amazon, with Alabama being recognized as a landscape that is as critical to protect as other priority areas around the globe. The collaboration between The Nature Conservancy, Patagonia, and the undisclosed donor highlights the importance of partnerships in conservation efforts.
“This project is the first step in a long-term strategy with our partners in Alabama to protect America’s Amazon,” said Curtis, representing the Holdfast Collective. The land purchase represents a significant milestone in the conservation of this unique and valuable ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and biodiversity.
In the heart of Chile’s Santiago Sur Prison, the oldest and most overcrowded correctional facility in the country, an unexpected and heartwarming story unfolds. Hundreds of stray cats have found an unlikely home within the prison walls, creating a unique bond with the inmates that goes beyond the typical prison experience.
Originally brought in to address the rat problem within the prison, the feline residents soon proved to be more than just pest controllers. The cats became companions to the inmates, transforming the prison environment and having a positive impact on mood, depression, and overall attitude among the incarcerated individuals.
Carlos Nuñez, a balding prisoner serving a 14-year sentence for home burglary, proudly introduced his 2-year-old tabby named Feita, or Ugly, from behind the prison bars. As he cared for multiple cats during his sentence, Nuñez discovered the special essence of feline companionship.
“A cat makes you worry about it, feed it, take care of it, give it special attention,” explained Nuñez. “When we were outside and free, we never did this. We discovered it in here.”
The presence of the feline residents has had a profound impact on the inmates, fostering a sense of responsibility and contributing to a positive change in behavior. The prison’s warden, Col. Helen Leal González, who herself has two cats at home, Reina and Dante, acknowledges the transformative effect the cats have had within the prison walls.
“Prisons are hostile places,” said Col. González in her office, adorned with cat figurines. “So of course, when you see there’s an animal giving affection and generating these positive feelings, it logically causes a change in behavior, a change in mindset.”
The unique relationship between the inmates and their feline companions goes beyond the usual dynamics of prison life. The cats, with their affectionate presence, have become sources of solace, comfort, and connection in an environment where such sentiments are often hard to come by.
In the vast landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, a remarkable conservation project is making strides to protect and restore the population of wildcats. Nineteen wildcats were released into the wild this summer at Cairngorms National Park, marking the first-ever release of wildcats in the UK. Monitored closely with GPS-radio collars, these endangered felines are not only adapting well to their new environment but are also actively contributing to the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Helen Senn, the head of science and conservation programs at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), expressed optimism about the project, stating that the release of wildcats has been “a success so far.” The cats, fitted with GPS collars, are carefully tracked by a dedicated field team. This tracking technology provides valuable insights into their movements, behaviors, and overall well-being.
In their natural habitat within Cairngorms National Park, the wildcats are engaging in essential activities for their survival. These activities include hunting for mice and voles in the grasslands and woodlands, showcasing their crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
However, as with any wild endeavor, challenges are inevitable. Senn explained that while most of the wildcats are currently faring well, it would be unusual for all to survive the first year in the wild. The unpredictability of life in the wilderness comes to light as the field team, using GPS collar data, discovered a potential issue.
The team responded promptly to the signals and found that one wildcat had succumbed to peritonitis, an infection. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks these animals face in their natural environment.
Senn emphasized that the conservation effort is a long-term commitment. “Further releases and many more years of conservation action will be required to increase the likelihood of saving this iconic species in Scotland,” she explained. The release of wildcats into the Scottish Highlands is not just a one-time event but part of an ongoing strategy to secure the future of these iconic creatures.
As the project unfolds, the lessons learned from the tracking data, both the successes and challenges, will contribute to refining conservation strategies. The Scottish Highlands, with its vast and untamed beauty, is becoming a battleground for the protection of the wildcat, showcasing the dedication of conservationists and the resilience of these remarkable felines in the face of adversity.
In a happy turn of events, a massive rewilding project has come to the rescue of 2,000 African rhinos, ensuring their safety and well-being. These rhinos, once owned by wealthy property developer turned wildlife rancher John Hume, faced an uncertain future when they were put up for auction in April, with no bids forthcoming. Thankfully, the non-governmental organization (NGO) African Parks stepped in to secure their fate, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
John Hume’s herd of rhinos was the world’s largest privately owned population of white rhinos. It was feared that these magnificent creatures were at serious risk of poaching and fragmentation, prompting concerns among conservationists worldwide. But African Parks, headquartered in Johannesburg, emerged as the guardian angel for these rhinos.
African Parks is a renowned conservation organization known for its credible and responsible approach to wildlife conservation. Dr. Mike Knight, chairman of the IUCN specialist group, expressed optimism about the organization’s ability to successfully rewild these rhinos. He emphasized the importance of finding conservation areas that are not only large enough but also secure from the threat of poaching.
The primary objective of African Parks was crystal clear: to rewild all 2,000 southern white rhinos over the next decade in well-managed and secure areas. This ambitious endeavor is designed to establish or supplement strategic rhino populations, ultimately reducing the risk to the species as a whole.
African Parks has set a new precedent with this initiative, as it represents one of the largest rewilding efforts ever undertaken for any species on the African continent. Hume’s captive-bred rhinos, which make up nearly 15% of the world’s remaining wild rhino population, hold immense value in the preservation of these magnificent creatures.
The dire situation arose when financial stress forced Hume to put his Platinum Rhino operation up for auction in April 2023. The absence of any bids raised concerns about the future of these rhinos, prompting African Parks to step in. With the support of the South African government and emergency funding, African Parks successfully acquired the farm and its 2,000 rhino residents.
While African Parks never intended to own such a vast captive rhino breeding operation, they recognized the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals. By doing so, these rhinos can once again assume their crucial roles within fully functioning ecosystems, ensuring the preservation of this Near Threatened species.
In the end, this rewilding project serves as a beacon of hope for the future of African rhinos. With African Parks at the helm, these majestic creatures will have a chance to roam freely in secure habitats, contributing to the continued survival of their species. It’s a story of conservation success and a testament to the power of collective efforts to protect our planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
As the 2023 Women’s World Cup captivates audiences with thrilling matches and incredible talent, it is not just a sporting event; it also serves as a source of empowerment and hope for girls all around the globe. Beyond the excitement on the field, the impact of this monumental tournament is felt off the field, where it inspires and uplifts girls, proving that they too can be strong and resilient athletes.
One organization that has documented this empowering phenomenon is CARE, a non-profit dedicated to fighting poverty and injustice. CARE has captured the inspiring moments of girls from diverse backgrounds playing the beautiful sport of soccer. Witnessing these young athletes immersed in the game brings joy, resilience, and strength to girls everywhere.
The Women’s World Cup offers a powerful platform for showcasing the incredible skills and abilities of female athletes. By witnessing the passion and dedication displayed by the players, young girls are encouraged to dream big and pursue their goals fearlessly. The tournament challenges gender stereotypes and proves that girls can excel in sports, just like their male counterparts.
Through the spectacle of the Women’s World Cup, girls find role models to look up to. They see themselves reflected in the athletes on the screen, realizing that they too can achieve greatness with hard work and determination. This representation is crucial in breaking down barriers and opening doors for girls to pursue their passion for sports.
Furthermore, the Women’s World Cup promotes gender equality and female empowerment on a global scale. It sends a powerful message that women’s sports deserve equal recognition, support, and investment. As more attention is directed towards female athletes and their achievements, it paves the way for increased opportunities and resources for girls interested in sports.
Participating in sports has proven to have numerous benefits for girls, extending beyond physical fitness. It fosters teamwork, leadership skills, and self-confidence. By witnessing the women’s teams competing at the highest level, girls are encouraged to embrace their own athletic abilities and feel empowered to take on challenges both on and off the field.
Moreover, the World Cup serves as a rallying point for communities and countries to unite in support of their national teams. This sense of unity and pride extends to girls as they feel a part of something larger and find encouragement in their collective identity.
In conclusion, the Women’s World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it is a symbol of empowerment and hope for girls worldwide. Seeing female athletes excel at the highest level showcases the limitless potential of girls in all fields of life. The tournament breaks down gender barriers, fosters resilience and strength, and inspires girls to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams with confidence. As the Women’s World Cup continues to shine a spotlight on female athletes, it ignites a powerful movement that empowers and uplifts girls everywhere, proving that they too can achieve greatness on and off the field.
