The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

The lost Dutchman’s gold mine is said to be a rich gold mine hidden somewhere in the Superstition Mountains, a rugged and remote range of volcanic peaks east of Phoenix, Arizona. The mine is named after Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant who allegedly discovered it in the late 19th century and kept its location a secret until his death. Many people have tried to find the mine, following clues, maps, legends, and rumors, but none have succeeded. Some have even lost their lives in the harsh and hostile terrain of the Superstitions.

The origin of the legend is unclear, but it may have been influenced by several earlier stories and events. One possible source is the Apache gold, a mythical treasure that the Apache Indians were said to have hidden from the Spanish invaders in the 16th century. Another possible source is Dr. Abraham Thorne’s gold, a real treasure that a U.S. Army doctor claimed to have seen in 1848, when he was blindfolded and taken by friendly Apaches to a secret location in the mountains. A third possible source is the Peralta gold, a real treasure that a Mexican family named Peralta mined in the Superstitions in the early 19th century, until they were massacred by Apaches in 1848.

The most popular version of the legend, however, revolves around Jacob Waltz, also known as the Dutchman (a corruption of Deutschman, meaning German). Waltz was born in Germany around 1810 and immigrated to America in 1839. He worked as a miner and prospector in various states, until he settled in Arizona in 1863. According to some accounts, he befriended a man named Jacob Weiser, who had a map or a clue to the Peralta mine. Together, they found the mine and extracted some gold, but they were attacked by Apaches or rival miners and Weiser was killed. Waltz escaped with some gold and buried the rest near the mine.

Waltz moved to Phoenix and lived as a recluse on a farm near the Salt River. He occasionally sold some gold nuggets to buy supplies, but he never revealed where he got them. He also never married or had children, but he had several female friends who visited him from time to time. One of them was Julia Thomas, a German-born widow who ran a bakery in Phoenix. She became his caretaker when he fell ill in 1891. On his deathbed, he supposedly gave her some clues or a map to the mine, but he died before he could explain them clearly.

Thomas tried to find the mine with the help of two other men, but they failed. She then decided to sell copies of the map or clues to anyone who was interested. She advertised her offer in newspapers and attracted many buyers and seekers. Thus began the modern search for the lost Dutchman’s gold mine, which has continued ever since.

Over the years, hundreds of people have searched for the mine in the Superstition Mountains, using various methods and theories. Some have claimed to have found it or parts of it, but none have produced conclusive evidence or substantial amounts of gold. Some have encountered dangers such as snakes, scorpions, heatstroke, dehydration, falls, accidents, or violence from other seekers or landowners. Some have disappeared or died under mysterious circumstances.

The lost Dutchman’s gold mine has inspired many books, movies, TV shows, songs, and games. It has also attracted many enthusiasts and organizations who study and promote the legend. One of them is the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association (LDMA), which was founded in 1976 and operates several gold mining camps across America. Another one is the Superstition Mountain Museum , which was founded in 1979 and displays artifacts and exhibits related to the legend and the history of the area.

The lost Dutchman’s gold mine remains one of the most intriguing mysteries of American history. It is a symbol of adventure, greed, courage, mystery, and hope. It challenges those who seek it to test their skills, knowledge, luck, and faith. It also invites those who study it to explore the rich and diverse culture and nature of the Superstition Mountains.

1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Dutchman%27s_Gold_Mine 2: https://www.history.com/news/lost-dutchmans-gold-mine-found 3: https://www.lostdutchmans.com/s/ 4: https://superstitionmountainmuseum.org/ : https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-lostdutchman/ : https://www.desertusa.com/desert-people/dutchman.html : https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-best-reads/2018/03/21/lost-dutchmans-gold-mine-legend-lives-superstition-mountains/445611002/ : https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/superstition-mountains : https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lost-dutchmans-gold-mine-180971148/

Hy-Brasil: The True Story of a Mythical Island

Hy-Brasil was an island off the coast of Ireland – seen by many people over a thousand years, visited by a few, and recorded on navigation maps for five centuries. Curiously, the island didn’t remain in one location. Instead it was seen over a vast stretch of coastline – from County Cork to County Antrim. Then it disappeared from maps completely.

The name Hy-Brasil originated from Celtic mythology. According to Irish folklore, Hy-Brasil was a hidden island where an advanced civilization lived in harmony and prosperity. The island was visible from the west coast of Ireland for only one day every seven years, the rest of the time it was obscured by fog or magic. Some legends said that the island was inhabited by gods, fairies, or giants. Others said that it was the home of St. Brendan, the Irish monk who allegedly sailed across the Atlantic in the 6th century.

The first recorded mention of Hy-Brasil dates back to 1325, when a Majorcan cartographer named Angelino Dulcert drew a small island named Bracile west of Ireland on his portolan chart. The island appeared again on several maps in the following centuries, sometimes with different names, such as Hy-Brasail, Breasal, Brazil, O’Brasil, or The Enchanted Island. The island was usually shown as circular, with a central river or strait running across it.

Some explorers claimed to have seen or even visited Hy-Brasil. In 1480, two Venetian brothers, Nicolò and Antonio Zeno, said they reached an island called Frislanda, which some scholars have identified with Hy-Brasil. In 1481, John Jay Jr., an English navigator, reported that he landed on Hy-Brasil with a crew of four men and stayed there for two weeks. He described the island as fertile and inhabited by large black rabbits and a mysterious magician who lived in a stone castle. In 1674, Captain John Nisbet of Killybegs said he anchored at Hy-Brasil and met friendly natives who gave him gold and silver. He also said he saw a large city on the south side of the island.

However, most attempts to find Hy-Brasil were unsuccessful or fraudulent. In 1497, John Cabot , an Italian explorer who sailed for England, searched for Hy-Brasil but found nothing. In 1578, Martin Frobisher , an English explorer who sought the Northwest Passage , claimed to have discovered Hy-Brasil but was later exposed as a liar. In 1676, Robert O’Flaherty , an Irish historian who wrote a book about the history and antiquities of Ireland, admitted that he had fabricated a map of Hy-Brasil based on hearsay and imagination.

By the 18th century, Hy-Brasil began to fade from maps and from public interest. The last map to show the island was published in 1865 by Alexander Keith Johnston , a Scottish geographer who labeled it as Brasil Rock . The disappearance of Hy-Brasil may have been influenced by several factors, such as improved cartography , increased exploration , scientific skepticism , and political changes . Some historians have suggested that Hy-Brasil may have been based on a real island that sank or eroded over time, or that was confused with other islands or phenomena in the Atlantic.

Hy-Brasil remains one of the most intriguing mysteries of cartography and folklore. It has inspired many works of literature and art, such as Jules Verne ’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , James Joyce ’s Ulysses , Flann O’Brien ’s The Third Policeman , J.R.R. Tolkien ’s The Lord of the Rings , Umberto Eco ’s Foucault’s Pendulum , and Neil Gaiman ’s American Gods . It has also been associated with various paranormal phenomena , such as UFO sightings , ley lines , and dimensional portals . Whether Hy-Brasil ever existed or not, it still captures the imagination of those who seek hidden lands and lost worlds.

1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasil_(mythical_island) 2: https://blogs.loc.gov/maps/2020/06/hy-brasil-the-supernatural-island/ 3: https://www.belfastentries.com/stories/myths-legends/hy-brasil/ : https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hybrasil : https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/hy-brasil-the-irish-atlantis : https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/hy-brasil-legendary-phantom-island-ireland-003608 : https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20160318-the-mysterious-disappearing-island : https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/25/hy-brazil-island-atlantic-ireland-margaret-elphinstone : https://www.history.com/news/atlantis-ireland-hy-brasil 

The Historical Golden Chief and Cities of Gold in South America

 

The legend of the golden chief and cities of gold is one of the most captivating stories of the Age of Exploration. It tells of a land somewhere in the Americas, where a powerful king or chief covered himself with gold dust and offered treasures to the gods in a sacred lake. It also tells of magnificent cities built of gold and jewels, where the inhabitants lived in abundance and harmony. The legend fueled the imagination and ambition of many Spanish conquistadors, who searched for this elusive paradise in vain.

The origin of the legend can be traced back to the Muisca people, an indigenous civilization that inhabited the highlands of present-day Colombia. The Muisca had a complex social and political organization, based on a confederation of chiefdoms that shared a common culture and religion. The Muisca worshipped the Sun, the Moon, and other natural forces, as well as ancestral heroes and deities. One of their most important rituals was the investiture of the zipa, the ruler of the southern Muisca territory. According to the chronicler Juan Rodriguez Freyle, who wrote in the 17th century, the zipa had to undergo a purification ceremony before ascending to power. He had to fast for several days, abstain from sex, and cover his body with gold dust. Then he had to board a raft adorned with gold and precious stones, accompanied by four priests and several attendants. The raft sailed to the center of Lake Guatavita, where the zipa threw offerings of gold, emeralds, and other valuables into the water, while his subjects cheered from the shore. This ritual was meant to appease the goddess of the lake and ensure the prosperity and fertility of the land.

The first Europeans to hear about this ceremony were probably the survivors of the Narvaez expedition, a disastrous venture that left four men stranded in Florida in 1528. Among them were Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish nobleman, and Estevanico, a Moroccan slave. They spent eight years wandering across North America, encountering various native tribes and cultures. They finally reached Mexico City in 1536, where they told their astonishing story to the Spanish authorities. They also mentioned that they had heard rumors from some natives about cities of gold located far to the north.

These rumors sparked the interest of Antonio de Mendoza, the viceroy of New Spain (Mexico), who wanted to expand his domain and find new sources of wealth. He sent several expeditions to explore the northern territories, hoping to find clues about the golden cities. One of these expeditions was led by Fray Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan friar who claimed to have seen from afar a splendid city called Cibola, where the houses were made of turquoise and gold. He also said that Cibola was only one of seven such cities that formed a rich and powerful kingdom.

Mendoza was convinced by de Niza’s report and decided to send a larger expedition to conquer Cibola. He chose Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a young and ambitious governor, as the leader of this enterprise. Coronado gathered an army of about 300 Spanish soldiers and 1,000 native allies and set off from Mexico in 1540. He followed de Niza’s trail until he reached Zuni Pueblo in present-day New Mexico. To his disappointment, he found no signs of gold or riches there, only adobe houses and corn fields. He realized that de Niza had lied or exaggerated his account, but he did not give up on his quest. He continued to explore further north and east, following vague rumors and false leads about other cities or kingdoms of gold. He reached as far as Kansas, where he encountered another native tribe called Quivira. Again, he found nothing but straw huts and buffalo hides.

Coronado returned to Mexico in 1542, empty-handed and disgraced. He had failed to find any golden chief or city of gold, but he had opened new routes and lands for future exploration and colonization. He had also encountered diverse native peoples and cultures, some friendly and some hostile. His expedition was one of the most remarkable journeys in history, but also one of the most tragic examples of how greed and fantasy can blind human reason.

The legend of the golden chief and cities of gold did not die with Coronado’s failure. It continued to inspire other adventurers and dreamers for centuries, such as Sir Walter Raleigh in South America or Joseph Smith in North America. It also influenced many works of literature and art, such as Voltaire’s Candide, Edgar Allan Poe’s Eldorado, or the animated series The Mysterious Cities of Gold. The legend is still alive today, as some people still search for the lost treasures of Lake Guatavita or the secrets of the ancient Muisca civilization.

1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Cities_of_Gold 3: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Muisca : https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alvar-Nunez-Cabeza-de-Vaca : https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcos-de-Niza : https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francisco-Vazquez-de-Coronado

The Real Antikythera Mechanism: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering

Imagine a shoebox-sized device that can predict the positions of the Sun and the Moon, the phases of the Moon, the dates of eclipses and the cycles of the Olympic Games. Now imagine that this device was built more than 2,000 years ago, using bronze gears and dials that display complex mathematical and astronomical concepts. This is the real Antikythera mechanism, a marvel of ancient engineering that has baffled and fascinated scholars for decades.

The Antikythera mechanism was discovered in 1901 by sponge divers who retrieved it from a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera. The device was badly corroded and broken into several fragments, but its intricate design and inscriptions hinted at its sophisticated purpose. It took more than a century of research, using techniques such as X-ray tomography, surface scanning and digital reconstruction, to reveal the secrets of the mechanism.

It consists of at least 30 bronze gears that mesh together to form a complex system of differential and epicyclic gearing. The gears are mounted on three main plates that form the front and back faces of the device. The front face has a large dial with pointers that show the position of the Sun and the Moon in the zodiac, as well as a half-silvered ball that shows the phases of the Moon. The back face has two large dials that show the cycles of lunations (synodic months) and eclipses (saros cycles), as well as a smaller dial that shows the cycle of the Olympic Games.

The Antikythera mechanism is believed to have been operated by turning a hand crank that was connected to the main gear wheel. Each revolution of the main gear wheel corresponded to one solar year, and the other gears followed accordingly. The mechanism could also be set to a specific date by aligning the pointers with the inscriptions on the dials. The inscriptions, written in ancient Greek, provide instructions on how to use the device, as well as information on astronomical phenomena and calendar events.

It is a remarkable example of ancient scientific and technological achievement. It demonstrates that the Greeks had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and mathematics, as well as a high level of craftsmanship and engineering. The mechanism is also a testimony to the cultural and intellectual exchange that took place in the Mediterranean world in the Hellenistic period, when Greek science and philosophy influenced other civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon and Rome.

The Antikythera mechanism is still shrouded in mystery, as many questions remain unanswered about its origin, function and context. Who designed and built it? Where was it made and for whom? How was it used and why was it on board a ship? Was it unique or part of a series? Are there other similar devices waiting to be discovered? These are some of the challenges that researchers face as they continue to study this ancient wonder.

2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism 3: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Antikythera-mechanism 1: https://www.livescience.com/antikythera-mechanism : https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21228391-400-antikythera-mechanism-gives-up-more-secrets/ : https://www.nature.com/articles/nature05357 : https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12059 : https://www.nature.com/articles/444534a : https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06181 : https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08919 : https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/decoding-antikythera-mechanism-first-computer-180953979/ : https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/science/30compute.html : https://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/project/team : https://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/project/research : https://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/project/fragments : https://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/project/gears : https://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/project/techniques

The City of Dolls: Nagoro, Japan

The village of Nagoro, also known as "The City of Dolls", is found on Shikoku Island, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. This unique village is home to thousands of handmade dolls that outnumber the living inhabitants, leaving visitors with an uncanny feeling. In this post, we will explore the origins of Nagoro's doll-filled streets and the profound impact it has on visitors.

Nagoro's doll phenomenon can be attributed to Ayano Tsukimi, a 64-year-old former resident who returned to her hometown in the early 2000s. Over the years, the village's inhabitants have left for jobs elsewhere, or have passed away. Struck by the depopulation of Nagoro, Tsukimi sought a way to bring life and vitality back to the village. Her solution? Creating lifelike dolls in the image of the departed residents and scattering them throughout the village. At this point the human population of Nagoro is down to about 35 people.

As you wander through the streets of Nagoro, you'll encounter dolls in various poses and sizes, casually occupying everyday scenes. From schoolyards to fields, bus stops to riverbanks, these dolls seem frozen in time, creating a surreal atmosphere. With meticulous attention to detail, Tsukimi breathes life into each doll, imbuing them with unique personalities and a hint of melancholy.

Nagoro's dolls are both charming and strange. Their lifelike appearances can be disconcerting, as they peer out from windows or sit silently on park benches, mirroring the activities of the villagers they replace.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the dolls of Nagoro serve as a poignant reflection of the passage of time and the fading memories of a vanishing community. Each doll represents a former resident, preserving their spirit and presence within the village. As visitors explore Nagoro, they are reminded of the fragility of life, the transient nature of human existence, and the importance of preserving memories and community bonds.

News of Nagoro's enchanting doll village has spread worldwide, drawing curious travelers from all corners of the globe. Visitors come not only to marvel at the dolls but also to appreciate Tsukimi's artistic vision and the profound statement she makes about the changing dynamics of rural communities in Japan and beyond.

As time passes, the dolls of Nagoro gradually weather and deteriorate, making way for new creations. Tsukimi's ongoing dedication ensures that the village remains an evolving canvas, reflecting the changing landscape and people of Nagoro. The dolls stand as silent witnesses, telling stories of a village's past, present, and future.

Check out Wiki Nagoro

There is also a documentary you can watch on Vimeo called Valley of Dolls by Fritz Schumann.

Below are some images from Google Maps Street View.

Gulliver's Kingdom, Japan

Gulliver, pictured below, once rested in the shadow of Mt.Fuji, bound and nailed to the ground by his hair.

Nestled deep within the mountainous landscape of Japan lies the haunting remnants of a once-thriving theme park, Gulliver's Kingdom. This peculiar abandoned attraction, inspired by Jonathan Swift's classic novel "Gulliver's Travels," has since become a magnet for urban explorers and curious adventurers. In this post, we embark on a journey to uncover the history, allure of abandoned Gulliver's Kingdom.

Gulliver's Kingdom was conceived in the late 1990s by the Japanese company Nippon Dream Kogyo. Situated near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, the park aimed to recreate the fantastical world of Swift's literary masterpiece. Elaborate structures, including a colossal Gulliver statue, miniature European villages, and Lilliputian-themed rides, were meticulously crafted to bring the tale to life.

Upon its opening in 1997, Gulliver's Kingdom enjoyed a brief period of success. However, financial struggles and a lack of visitors led to its ultimate demise. The park closed its doors after just four years of operation in 2001, leaving behind a desolate landscape frozen in time. Today, nature has reclaimed much of the park, enveloping the abandoned rides and buildings in a cloak of eeriness and decay.

Venturing into the forgotten realm of Gulliver's Kingdom evokes a surreal mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and trepidation. Urban explorers who dare to tread its deserted paths encounter rusted ferris wheels, crumbling castles, and overgrown gardens that once buzzed with laughter and excitement. The park's dilapidated state adds an otherworldly charm to the experience, drawing visitors into a ghostly journey through a lost dream.

The haunting beauty of Gulliver's Kingdom has captivated the lenses of many photographers. The juxtaposition of decaying structures against the stunning natural backdrop of Mount Fuji creates an eerie allure that has become an irresistible subject for artistic exploration. Photographers are drawn to capture the melancholic atmosphere and poignant details, immortalizing the park's surreal ambiance through their lens.

Efforts have been made to preserve the legacy of Gulliver's Kingdom. While the park itself remains closed to the public, documentaries, books, and online platforms provide glimpses into its past grandeur. The intriguing tale of Gulliver's Kingdom continues to fascinate and inspire artists, writers, and urban explorers, keeping its memory alive.

Gulliver's Kingdom serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human creations and the enduring power of nature's reclamation. Forgotten sites hold a certain fascination, offering glimpses into the stories and dreams that once animated them, allowing us to ponder the passage of time and the transience of our own endeavors. As the years pass, nature continues its relentless march, gradually engulfing the remnants of this once-vibrant theme park.

Aerial view from Google Earth showing the park's proximity to Mt. Fuji.

Below is an additional image from Google Earth. You can see the current state of Gulliver's Kingdom, compared to the original park map.

Original Gulliver's Kingdom Map

Notable Findings Under, and Around Stonehenge

Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue. Over the years, numerous archaeological investigations and studies have shed light on what lies beneath and around Stonehenge, unearthing important discoveries that deepen our understanding of its history and purpose. While the site continues to reveal new secrets, here are some notable findings associated with Stonehenge:

● Aubrey Holes: In the late 17th century, antiquarian John Aubrey discovered circular pits, now known as Aubrey Holes, inside and around the stone circle. Originally numbering 56, these shallow holes are believed to have held wooden posts or stones and may have had ceremonial or astronomical significance.

● Cremated Human Remains: Excavations conducted in the 20th century uncovered cremated human remains at Stonehenge. These findings suggest that the site served as a burial ground during its early phases, with the deceased being cremated before burial.

● Bluestone Origins: One of the most intriguing discoveries is the identification of the bluestones' origin. The bluestones, smaller stones that form an inner circle at Stonehenge, were traced back to the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, approximately 150 miles away. The transportation of these massive stones over such a long distance remains a remarkable engineering feat.

● Durrington Walls: Located about 2 miles northeast of Stonehenge, Durrington Walls is a large henge enclosure associated with the monument. Excavations at Durrington Walls have revealed evidence of a vast Neolithic settlement, including dwellings, postholes, and evidence of feasting activities. This discovery suggests that the area was a gathering place for the builders and visitors of Stonehenge.

● Stonehenge Riverside Project: The Stonehenge Riverside Project, conducted between 2003 and 2009, explored the landscape surrounding Stonehenge. The project revealed a complex network of monuments, including timber circles, burial mounds, and pathways, further emphasizing the ritual and ceremonial importance of the wider Stonehenge landscape.

● Hidden Burial Mound: In 2020, a groundbreaking discovery was made using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology. Researchers identified a previously unknown burial mound located just a short distance from Stonehenge. The burial mound, dating back to around 2000 BCE, is believed to contain cremated human remains and artifacts, shedding new light on the funerary practices of the time.

These findings, among others, have significantly enhanced our understanding of Stonehenge as a complex ritual and ceremonial site. However, there is still much to uncover and explore beneath the ancient stones, ensuring that Stonehenge will continue to captivate and intrigue researchers and visitors for generations to come.