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Syria
Mass Graves Near Damascus
A mass grave has been discovered at al-Qutayfah, outside of the Syrian capital of Damascus, which is believed to hold the remains of at least 100,000 people. In southern Syria, another 12 mass graves were found, one of which provides evidence of execution and torture. The discovery of these graves follows the escape from Syria of former President Bashar al-Assad, who, along with his father who ruled before him, is blamed for thousands of extrajudicial killings. As investigations continue into the Assad regime’s role in the mass graves, professors are working to create DNA depositories to reunite the remains of families whose loved ones went missing, and Human Rights Watch is ensuring transitional authorities are collecting and preserving physical evidence of crimes committed by the regime.
This map depicts the location of mass grave sites uncovered in Syria following the end of rule by the Assad family. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: BBC
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Dead and Missing after Boat Capsizes
An overcrowded boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized on the Fimi River in central Congo, killing at least 25 people, including children, with dozens still missing. The boat sank shortly after departing from Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, overloaded with goods and passengers. Search efforts continue, raising fears of a higher death toll. This marks the fourth such tragedy this year in Maï-Ndombe province, where unsafe river transport remains common due to limited roads and ongoing insecurity. Previous accidents claimed over 150 lives. Local officials urge the government to improve river safety, including providing flotation devices, to prevent future disasters.
This map depicts the location where an overloaded boat sank on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fimi river. Click on the map to learn more.
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United Kingdom
Bronze Age Find in England
A new study published in the Antiquity Journal examined the remains of 40 people who lived 4,000 years ago in Bronze Age England and died extremely violent deaths, including signs of cannibalism. Looking closely at the fragmented bones, the research team determined at least 30% of the skulls had been fractured around the time of death, implying that many — or possibly all — of the people suffered violent deaths. Researchers suggested these brutal killings were political acts in retribution for an act of violence or breaching a social taboo. Researchers have observed how some acts of violence performed in front of an audience serve to reinforce group identity and the negotiation of social relationships.
This map depicts the locations in southern England where archaeologists uncovered an unusual number of human remains bearing marks of violent death. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: What country’s name means the “End of Tibet,” because it lies at the southern extremity of the Tibetan plateau and culture?
A: Bhutan
Bhutan is a small kingdom on the southern side of the Himalayas between India and Tibet. The name ‘Bhutan’ originates in the Sanskrit term ‘Bhotant,’ signifying ‘the end of Tibet,’ or ‘Bhu-uttan,’ suggesting ‘high land of coronation.’ While the world knows it as Bhutan, the Bhutanese fondly refer to their homeland as Druk Yul, which translates to the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon.’ The term ‘Druk’ means ‘Dragon,’ a reference to the predominant Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The country became Buddhist slowly from the 13th century onwards due to influence from Tibet. For much of its history the country was ruled by monks but since the beginning of the 20th century it has been a monarchy. The country’s king is one of only two Buddhist monarchs left in the world, the other being the king of Thailand.
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Q: What ancient geological formation in Australia is the world’s largest monolith and a sacred site for Aboriginal peoples?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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