Photos + Review — My Chemical Romance Bring the Black Parade to ArlingtonMy Chemical Romance brought their Long Live the Black Parade tour to Arlington, Texas' Globe Life Field on Saturday, turning up the heat on an already-sweltering night with their theatrical emo extravaganza.You can see Loudwire's exclusive photos from the show and the full setlist below.The New Jersey rockers opened the...

Approximately 11,000 years ago, in the Pleistocene epoch, humans began to enter present-day South America. There, they came face to face with the giants of their dayground sloths over 20 feet long, armored glyptodonts the size of a car, and felines with foot-long teeth. Their close proximity meant that humans often came into direct contact with megafauna. In fact, some studies suggest that human hunting may have contributed to the extinction of many of these enormous animals.South American Megafauna: A Diverse BunchThe skeleton of a glyptodont. Source: American Museum of Natural HistoryThe appearance of megafauna in South America began in the Pliocene Epoch of about five million years ago. Aided by the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama from the sea, which allowed for the Great American Interchange, animals began migrating north and south over the continents. Though mammoths and mastodons remained confined to North America, South America was populated by hundreds of species of huge mammals.One such creature, called a glyptodont, was like a prehistoric version of an armadillo that weighed around 2 tons. Some other notable creatures include Megatherium americanum, a giant ground-dwelling version of the sloths that live in South America today, as well as oversized llamas, capybaras, bears, felines, and canines. Though horses were introduced to South America by European conquistadors, they once existed there before their extinction in the late Pleistocene. By 10,000 years ago, over 25 different types of megafauna had evolved within South America.A recreation of late Pleistocene Bahia in Brazil. Source: Science DirectHumans began to enter South America between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago during the late Pleistocene. These early South Americans, sometimes referred to as Paleoindians, were hunter-gatherers who moved their settlements as they followed their prey. While past sources argued for an overland route through the middle of the Americas, new research shows that the most likely migration pattern was a route along the Pacific Coast. During the Pleistocene, the world began to experience a great cooling, which led to increased diversity among the megafauna. However, shortly after this cooling stopped, and after humans arrived, the fossil record shows a great decline in the biodiversity of South American megafauna.Campo Laborde, A Wildlife Refuge?A cast of a Megatherium americanum skeleton. Source: The Natural History MuseumCampo Laborde is located in the Pampas region of Argentina, near the city of Olvarra, and some researchers claim it contains evidence of the hunting and butchering of the giant ground sloth, Megatherium americanum. At this site, researchers found a host of faunal bones, as well as the remains of early stone tools that Paleoindian hunters would have used. When the rib bone of an M. americanum specimen was found with cut marks, researchers began to consider the possibility that pre-historic South Americans had hunted the animal. Other bones from both M. americanum and other mammals were also found, often in close proximity to cutting and scraping tools.The bone dated to about 6,000 to 9,000 years ago, which is much later than the previously proposed dates for the extinction of M. americanum. Some researchers suggest the Argentinean Pampas, vast food-rich prairies, could have been a refuge for the last of the South American megafauna. The presence of animal bones and tools, coupled with the lack of evidence of habitation, have led researchers to believe that this area might have been used as a butchering site by Paleoindians. M. americanum and other species of megafauna may have been hunted at this site, cut up into manageable pieces, and then brought back home to be eaten.Megafauna Remains at Arroyo SecoStone tools from the Arroyo Seco site. Source: National Library of MedicineThe Arroyo Seco site is another Argentinian location where evidence of early human habitation and possible hunting of megafauna were discovered. At this site, the remains of 14 Pleistocene animals were discovered, as well as at least 50 human burials from between 7,000 and 4,000 years ago. The discovery of several stone tools buried amongst the bones of a sloth, horse, and camel led researchers to believe that this could have been another site for the hunting and butchering of megafauna. Some postulate that the tools would have been used to disarticulate bones, allowing for easier butchering and transport. However, one important detail to consider about this site is that no arrow points were found. This prompted researchers to hypothesize that Arroyo Seco, unlike Campo Laborde, was only used for butchering and not for hunting. Though many of the stone tools discovered would have been used to break down the animals, some of them are consistent with those used for preparing hides.In addition to the discovery of the faunal bones, the purported activity at this location also provides insight into the distances Paleoindians would travel for sustenance and materials. An analysis of some of the tools revealed that the stones they used came from more than 90 miles away. Further studies of the cut marks on the bones were carried out, comparing them to the marks made by modern hunter-gatherers. These tests revealed that these people would have hunted cooperatively, working together to take down sloths large enough to crush an adult man. Another strange discovery at Arroyo Seco was that the bones of the skull and mandible were often left behind. This suggested that Paleoindians valued the body of these creatures more as the meat could provide much-needed sustenance.Arroyo del Vizcano and Dating ControversiesThe skeleton of a giant sloth from the genus Lestodon. Source: The American Museum of Natural HistoryThe Arroyo del Vizcano site, located in Canelones, Uruguay, provides further examples of Paleoindian interactions with megafauna. At this site, the bones of a giant sloth of the genus Lestodon were found exhibiting marks that suggested humans had been involved in its death. The marks included chopping, sawing, and scraping motions that are comparable to those made by human stone tools. Like other sites, the remains of stone tools that could have possibly been utilized in the butchering process were found in the same area.One thing that separates this site from others is the fact that it dates to nearly 30,000 years ago. Some researchers began to use this discovery to claim that Paleoindians had arrived in the Americas much earlier than originally believed. And this site is not the only one dated to periods that are incompatible with current hypotheses on human dispersal in the Americas. The Toca do Boqueirao do Sitio da Pedra Furada site in Brazil dates to 40,000 years ago, and the Monteverde site in Chile dates to over 14,000 years ago.However, recent work by some researchers has attempted to disprove the proposed evidence of humans inhabiting the Americas so early. They point out that the marks on the bones could have been a result of natural processes taking place after its death. They also note that errors in the calibration of the carbon dating could have led to a false reading.Humans v. MegafaunaExamples of prehistoric fishtail points that would have been used by South American hunters. Source: Science DirectFor years, researchers have been working to understand what exactly led to the extinction of megafauna in South America in the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods. When the above sites were discovered, some began to speculate that humans could have played a part in the disappearance of these giant beasts. Radiocarbon dating has shown that most megafauna began to die out around 7,000 years ago, 3,000 years after humans appeared on the continent. Many wondered if this 3,000-year period, coupled with the intelligence, endurance, and ingenuity of humankind, could have given Paleoindians an edge over megafauna.One study found that as humans in South America developed a new kind of arrowhead called a fishtail point, there was a significant drop in the populations of megafauna. The appearance of fishtail points was also accompanied by a rise in the human population of these areas, suggesting that the point made humans more successful in hunting megafauna, and therefore more equipped to support larger populations. All of this seems to suggest that humans caused the extinction of South American megafauna.Examples of cut marks from human tools on an elephant bone. Source: Science DirectHowever, newer research suggests that megafauna actually went extinct due to a complex mix of reasons, with humans playing only a small part. During the 3,000-year window of coexistence between human and beast, the climate of South America underwent a great change. Weather oscillated between warm and humid and cold and dry, with little time for these animals to adapt. Some megafauna had already gone extinct long before the arrival of humans due to the changing environment.New hypotheses agree that the impact of human hunting combined with the changing weather meant that megafauna were often subject to heightened competition for food and land. Some researchers even suggest that since these creatures did not evolve alongside humans like those in Africa and Eurasia did, they had no instincts to avoid them. This would have made them easy prey for hungry humans looking for a meal. With little real evidence of the overhunting of megafauna, early South Americans are slowly being exonerated.

Xian was the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties and holds an important place in Chinese history. It was the easternmost point of the Silk Road, a Eurasian trade route active from the 2nd century BCE until the mid-15th century. The city, previously known as ChangAn, has existed since the 11th century BCE. It peaked as the Tang Dynastys capital (618~907) but declined after its fall. Though certainly not one of Chinas largest cities, it remains a popular tourist destination due to its many impressive historical monuments and ancient sites.1. A Tomb Fit for an EmperorPhotograph of the Terracotta Army, by Aaron Greenwood, 2020. Source: UnsplashThe most important historical site in Xian is undoubtedly the Terracotta Army (known formally as the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is exactly what it sounds like an army of terracotta soldier statues. The story behind this site is fascinating, from its construction to its discovery. The army is part of the vast necropolis of Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who was buried around 210-209 BCE. It is believed to cover around 38 square miles, and its construction involved an estimated 700,000 conscripted workers. The location is said to have been chosen due to its gold and jade reserves.An ancient account by historian Sima Qian described the mausoleum as containing rivers of mercury. Mercury was believed to be an elixir for immortality, which Emperor Qin was fixated on. High levels of mercury detected in the soil appear to verify Qians account.Photograph of the Terracotta Army, by Aaron Greenwood, 2018. Source: UnsplashThe army was constructed around the late 200s BCE, with an estimated 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. These were all intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Remarkably, every single figure differs in height, uniform, and hairstyle, all of which depend on their rank. Their faces are also unique, and they were placed in military formation by rank.The site remained undiscovered until 1974 when pottery fragments were uncovered by farmers who were digging a well. Archeologists descended on the area, where up to 16 ft of soil had accumulated over the site. Site excavations uncovered several pits, with pit one alone containing over 3,000 soldiers. Other pits have been found containing carriages, acrobats, strongmen, officials, and rare animals in what appears to be an underground park.Work continues on the site today, making it great for those interested in archeology. The tomb itself remains unopened for two possible reasons: either to prevent damage to the artifacts inside or due to concerns about the concentration of mercury. Unfortunately, when unearthing the warriors, archeologists discovered that the lacquer covering them flakes off within four minutes of being exposed to Xians dry air.2. Xians Ancient Buddhist PagodaPhotograph of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, by Hongbin, 2023. Source: UnsplashThe Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 CE, during the Tang Dynasty. It is located in the southern suburbs of Xian around 2.5 miles from the citys downtown.The pagoda initially had five stories and was made of rammed earth with a stone exterior. It collapsed after five decades and was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian with an additional five stories added on. The purpose of the structure was to hold Buddhist sutras (texts) and figures brought to China from India by Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator.Xuanzang started from Changan (ancient Xian) and traveled along the Silk Road before eventually arriving in India, the home of Buddhism. After returning to Xian, he oversaw the construction of the pagoda.The structure is considered an architectural wonder, as it was built using layers of brick without any cement. Today, the building leans noticeably to the west. The interior features engraved statues of the Buddha by famed 7th-century artist Yan Liben.A severe earthquake in 1556 damaged the pagoda, bringing it down by three stories to its current height. It was repaired extensively during the Ming Dynasty and renovated in 1964. Despite these restorations, most work was done during the Tang Dynasty, so the current building is essentially a Tang structure. It is currently 211 feet tall and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.Photograph of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, by Hongbin, 2023. Source: UnsplashThe pagoda is inside the Dacien Temple complex, which was built in 648 for Empress Zhangsun. The grounds of the temple are vast, covering 12.5 acres, one-seventh of the original area. The temple complex welcomes millions of tourists each year and even has its own metro station.Visitors to the pagoda can climb the twisting staircase for panoramic views of the city. Another impressive feature is in the north square, where you can find the largest musical fountain in Asia.3. Chinas Most Complete City WallPhotograph of the Xian City Wall, by Yihan Wang, 2024. Source: UnsplashAnother significant historical site in Xian is the impressive city wall, which is the most complete city wall in China. It is also one of the largest ancient defensive systems that still exists.The wall, built around 1370, stretches for 8.5 miles around Xians city center. It has four main gates the East, West, South, and North gate. It stands 40 feet tall and is surrounded by a moat. Every 400 feet or so, there is a rampart that extends out from the main wall, with 98 ramparts in total. Each rampart had a sentry building, where soldiers could guard against enemies while remaining hidden. As ancient weapons could not break through the wall, the only way enemies could enter the city was by attacking the gates.The construction of the wall can be traced back to an encounter that the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, had with a hermit called Zhu Sheng. Before Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, Zhu Sheng told him to build high city walls, store food, and work to build his empire. After the Ming Dynasty was established, Zhu Yuanzhang followed that advice, enlarging the existing Tang Dynasty wall to the size it is today.The wall was originally built using layers of dirt, with the base also comprised of lime and glutinous rice extract. Over time, there were three restorations of the wall. In 1568, the wall was rebuilt with bricks. In 1781, the wall and towers were refitted, and in 1983, it was restored by the provincial government.Photograph of people walking on Xians City Wall, by Yunni Jiang, 2020. Source: UnsplashThe most beautifully decorated gate today is the south gate, which was restored and opened to the public in 2014. The South Gate Square is often used as the site for government ceremonies, and the structure itself contains two museums that are free for those with tickets to the gate. Visitors wishing to explore the ancient wall can do so in several ways. You can walk, ride a bike, or take a sightseeing car.4. An Ancient Time Piece: The Bell TowerPhotograph of the Bell Tower, by Lin Qiang, 2015. Source: UnsplashWhen visiting Xian, it is impossible to miss the imposing Bell Tower, which stands at 118 feet. Constructed in 1384, the Ming Dynasty tower was built in a traditional style and marks the geographical center of the city. Roads going north, south, east, and west all extend from the Bell Tower, leading to the four main gates of the city wall.Like other clock towers in China, the structure was used to report the time and publish news. The tower was also used in many other ways it saw battle during local wars and was home to Xians first cinema. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the tower also served as an alarm station, warning citizens of Japanese air raids.Xians Bell Tower is the best-preserved and largest building of its kind in China. In 1582, because the city had grown and its center point had shifted, the Bell Tower was relocated 3,280 feet east of the original site. Though the tower was repaired in 1699, 1740, and 1840, all of the parts of the building are original aside from the base. The tower originally held the famous Tang Dynasty Jingyun Bell, which, according to legends, fell silent during the Ming Dynasty. It was then replaced by the current bell, a smaller version weighing 5 tons.Photograph of the Bell Tower, by Alexander Ramsey, 2016. Source: UnsplashIn 1939, the Bell Tower was bombed by Japanese planes and was seriously damaged. The government repaired the structure afterward. The tower was overhauled an additional five times after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. It was opened to the public in 1984 and has been adapted to modern life over time. For instance, there are 20-foot-high arched doors on each side of the base which cars could pass through. However, as the city grew and the traffic became too heavy, the road was replaced by a pedestrian walkway. Visitors can ascend the tower to view the art inside and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The Bell Tower faces the Drum Tower, which is next on this list.5. Marking Nightfall: The Drum TowerPhotograph of the Drum Tower, by Yilin Liu, 2022. Source: UnsplashNorthwest of the Bell Tower, across the Bell and Drum Tower Square, is Xians Drum Tower, the largest existing drum tower in China. It was built in 1380 and stands at just over 367 feet in height. The tower is unique, as it combines the architectural styles of the Tang and Qing dynasties. Additionally, no iron nails were used anywhere in the structure.Photograph of Xian at night, by Harrison Qi, 2019. Source: UnsplashThe tower holds a total of 24 drums along its sides. The drums in the tower were used to mark nightfall and were also used as an alarm in emergencies. The tower was renovated during the Qing Dynasty, both in 1699 and 1740.Photograph of drums inside the Drum Tower, by Cotaro70s, 2016. Source: FlickrVisitors to the tower will enter through one of the arched doorways and then climb the stairs to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city. On the second floor, there is an exhibition of Chinese drum culture, where drums can be viewed that date back thousands of years. The largest drum in China is also inside the tower, and if your visit is timed well, you can enjoy a musical performance.6. Xians Great Mosque: A Silk Road RelicPhotograph of the Great Mosque, by Chensiyuan, 2011. Source: UnsplashNorthwest of the Drum Tower is the Great Mosque of Xian. Originally built in the year 742 CE, during the Tang Dynasty, the mosque was reconstructed at least four times. The version we see today was largely built in 1384 CE during the Ming Dynasty, with additions made by subsequent dynasties.The structure is one of Chinas largest, oldest, and best-preserved Islamic mosques. Its construction followed the introduction of Islam in Northwest China by Arab merchants. These merchants settled in China after traveling from Persia and Afghanistan in the mid-7th century, and their descendants still practice Islam today. This group of people is generally considered to be part of the Hui ethnic group. What makes Xians Great Mosque so interesting is that it combines traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.The mosque covers an area of nearly 130,000 square feet, has four courtyards, and houses over 20 buildings. It is meticulously landscaped and has a serene atmosphere. In the first courtyard, you will find an elaborate 30-foot-high wooden arch that is decorated with 17th-century glazed tiles. The second courtyard has a stone arch with two steles. One stele features script by Mi Fu, a famous Song Dynasty calligrapher. The other features script by Dong Qichang, a famed Ming Dynasty calligrapher.The third courtyard has many ancient steles, in addition to the Xingxin Tower, where attendees of the mosque have prayer events. The principal pavilion, which contains the Prayer Hall, is in the fourth courtyard.Photograph of Arabic calligraphy in the Great Mosque, by Kandukuru Nagarjun, 2014. Source: FlickrThe Great Mosque was declared a Historical and Cultural Site protected by the Shaanxi government in 1956. However, as with nearly every other place of worship, it was shut down during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). During those years, it was converted to a steel factory. After the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, religious activities resumed.The mosque is still an active place of worship for the Hui Muslims of Xian. It holds prayer services five times a day at dawn, noon, afternoon, dusk, and night.7. Exploring Chinas Muslim HeritagePhotograph of local men in Xians Muslim Quarter, by vhines200, 2019. Source: FlickrAfter visiting the Great Mosque, be sure to check out Xians Muslim Quarter, which is home to around 30,000 Muslims. This quarter is north of West Street in Xians city center and stretches for several blocks. In addition to the Great Mosque, there are around ten mosques in the area. The history of the area can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. At this time, Muslim merchants traveled to Xian via the Silk Road, and some settled there.From the Five Dynasties to the Song Dynasty, the citys Muslim population started to cluster in the area around the Great Mosque. Ming Dynasty rulers later built Xians town hall beside the Drum Tower, which is quite close to the quarter. Muslims continued to move into the area, particularly wealthy merchants attracted to the commercial lifestyle.During the late Qing Dynasty, the Shan Gan Muslim Rebellion led to the destruction of many Muslim neighborhoods elsewhere in China. Xians Muslim Quarter, however, remained unaffected due to its commercial status and location within the city walls.Photograph of the entrance to the Muslim Quarter, by Qianeal, 2020. Source: FlickrMost Muslims in the area continue to do jobs related to their religion and their Hui ethnic culture. For instance, there are many businesses related to catering, butchery, and antiques. The Muslim Quarter has become a popular tourist destination in recent decades. In addition to visiting the mosques, tourists also enjoy shopping for souvenirs and trying local Muslim foods. These foods can be traced back to the origins of the quarter the Tang Dynasty. Some popular traditional meals include beef or lamb stew with flatbread, soup dumplings, kebabs, and a cake interestingly named wooden cages mirror cake, flavored with nuts and rose.

Lagos, Portugal is a 4,000-year-old coastal city that was once home to the Carthaginians, the Romans, and the Moors. After the Reconquista, Lagos played a pivotal role in the Portuguese maritime expansion.In 1755, Lagos lost its influence after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Although the city recovered, it never regained the power it had in the Middle Ages.In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Lagoss canning industry boomed, and after the Second World War, tourism became the main economic activity. Today, Lagos is a charming Algarvian coastal town with an incredible past worth unraveling.The First Settlers and the Citys FoundationPhotograph of Lagos City Center, by Jan van Dijk, 2016. Source: FlickrThe first traces of human occupation in Lagos and its surroundings date back to the Neolithic. Archaeologists have found fishing hooks and sewing tools made of deer antlers in caves and in a small settlement of Monte Molio, dating back to around 4500 BCE.During this period, fishing boats were made of leather with thin wooden masts to avoid wind damage. Tuna and sardines caught in Lagos were salted and exported to Northern Africa. This high-quality fish even reached ancient Greece during the time of Hippocrates.Before the Roman occupation, the Iberian people inhabited the Iberian Peninsula and Lagos. However, with the Celtic invasion in the 4th century BCE, Iberians and Celts mixed to form the Celtiberians.Some historians believe the citys foundation can be traced to its Celtic origins. However, the most accepted theory is that Lagos was founded in 1899 BCE by Hispanic King Brigo, who founded several fortified cities in its territory. Lacobriga derives from the kings name and the lakes surrounding the settlement.Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and RomansPhoenician settlements and trade networks. Source: Wikimedia CommonsPhoenicians arrived in the Lagos region around 935 BCE, looking for gold and silver. As a result, their contact with the locals wasnt always friendly, leading them to seek help from their Carthaginian allies. Several Phoenician artifacts found in excavations in Lagos and its surroundings, and dating to the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, prove their presence.During Carthaginian rule, Lagos became a prominent city due to fishing and agricultural production, coral capture, and a large bay that sheltered ships from the northern winds. Nevertheless, the Celtiberian people in the Iberian Peninsula here werent happy with their Carthaginian rulers and asked the Romans for help. This led to the famous Punic Wars that lasted for over 40 years.In 76 BCE, the Romans laid siege to Lacobriga, hoping the city would surrender due to a water shortage. Instead, the Lusitanian resistant leader Sertrio, and 2,000 Lusitanian and African knights defeated the Romans, ended the siege, and brought water to the city. After Sertrios assassination, Lacobriga fell to the Roman Empire.Under Roman rule, Lacobriga established itself as an important industrial hub. Some evidence of the citys importance includes a complex of salting plants and a rubbish dump for a ceramics factory.Lagos in the Middle AgesMoorish General Tariq Ibn Ziyad, by Theodor Hosemann, 19th century. Source: Wikimedia CommonsWhen the Roman Empire showed signs of weakness, the Alans, Vandals, and Suevi invaded the Iberian Peninsula and divided the territory among themselves. The Romans feared the empire would collapse and asked the Visigoths for help.The Visigothic monarchy eventually took over the Iberian Peninsula and ruled for another 300 years. In 622, Lagos was the seat of a bishopric, whose bishop took part in a Council of Toledo. Visigothic rule in Iberia ended with the Moorish arrival.The fearless Northern African warriors, commanded by General Tariq, crossed Gibraltar Strait in 711 and reached Lagos in 716. The Moorish occupation was the longest in the history of the Iberian Peninsula and left deep marks on our culture, architecture, language, and gastronomy.Under Moorish rule, Lacobriga became known as Al-Zawaia, which means Muslim Monastery, lake, or well. Although historians believe the city castle was built during this period, the truth is that Lagoss influence declined over the years, transforming this prominent city into a small fishing village.King Sancho I, 1312-25. Source: Biblioteca Digital HispanicaIn 1189, the Portuguese King Sancho I, accompanied by German and Danish Crusaders, conquered several cities in the Algarve, including Lagos. However, Lagos fell into Moorish hands again in 1191, and only in 1249 it was definitively reconquered by the Portuguese.Even though the Moors destroyed most of the city to keep the Portuguese from using any of its infrastructures, Lagos was swiftly repopulated by Christian fishermen. Once the Moors were expelled from the Algarve, land battles there ended. However, the Moors continued to attack Christian ships, capture cattle, and kidnap people who they sold as slaves. As a result, to protect the city King Afonso IV ordered the construction of the city walls.Throughout the 14th century, kings reinforced the importance of fishing activities in Lagos. As a result, tuna and sardine fishing, coral capture, and whale hunting helped the village grow. During this period, new churches were built, such as Igreja de So Sebastio and a church dedicated to Santa Maria da Graa which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.During the reigns of King Ferdinand and King Joo I, the population inside the town numbered around 1,500 to 2,000 people from the upper social classes. On the other hand, merchants, seafarers, and common people lived in houses outside the city walls, as they were forbidden to live inside them.The Portuguese Age of DiscoveryPainting of Infante D. Henrique in the Polytriptych of St. Vincent, by Nuno Gonalves, 1470. Source: WGAThe 15th century left deep marks on Portugals history. Additionally, it brought profound changes to the whole world. Due to its privileged location, Lagos played a pivotal role in the early years of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It was one of the kingdoms main ports and the starting point for several naval expeditions in the 15th and 16th centuries.In 1419, Prince Henry the Navigator left court and settled in Sagres, a small fishing village 30 kilometers (18-19 miles) from Lagos. This was where Prince Henry made the first plans for Portugals future overseas expansion. In the same year, native Lagos sailors discovered Madeira Island.Under Prince Henrys orders, the navigator Gil Eanes, born and raised in Lagos, crossed Cape Bojador in 1434. At the time, this was a considerable achievement in exploring the African coastline.Portuguese carracks off a rocky coast, 16th century. Source: Royal Greenwich MuseumsIn 1441, two expeditions to Africa led by Nuno Tristo and Anto Gonalves brought some of the first African slaves to Europe. Later, in 1444, Companhia de Lagos was established to carry out commercial operations along the African coast. In the same year, Prince Henry the Navigator organized a fleet of six caravels for an expedition to the Gulf of Arguim, where hundreds of slaves were captured. Due to the constant arrival of new slaves, Lagos built the first slave market in Europe.Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Lagos saw the departure of several expeditions to Africa. With the constant movement of ships and sailors, the village grew. In 1504, King Manuel granted Lagos a charter, offering privileges to its inhabitants and merchants. Some of them included the reduction and exemption of taxes on fishing and shipbuilding and regulated taxes on the purchase and sale of boats. They concentrated the entire salt trade in the crown, prohibiting private individuals from selling salt and opening salt pans.During King Manuels reign, Lagos had developed beyond its original walls. Due to this, the king ordered the construction of new walls, with four bastions by the sea and eight on the land side. The kings intention was to defend Lagos from Moorish attacks.In 1573, the infamous King Sebastio elevated Lagos to city status and made it the seat of the bishopric and capital of the Algarve. In the years that followed, King Sebastio was in Lagos to visit the new defensive walls and pray in So Sebastio Church before leaving for Alcacer Quibir Battle, where he disappeared.Lagos DownfallPainting of 1755 Earthquake, by Joo Glama, 1756-1792. Source: Wikimedia CommonsSince King Sebastio did not marry or have any children before his disappearance, the Portuguese throne was left to his uncle, who also died without any heirs. As a result, King Phillip II of Spain took over the Portuguese throne, and Portugal lost its independence.Although the country lost its influence and Portuguese cities became mere villages, Lagos benefited from several fortresses built to defend the city from English privateers such as Sir Francis Drake.With the Independence Restoration in 1640, Lagos fell into decay. The collapse of agricultural production, reduction of commercial activities, and a cholera epidemic led to Lagoss downfall.Beyond that, since the creation of Companhia Geral do Comrcio do Brasil, overseas trade concentrated in Lisbon instead of smaller harbors along the Portuguese coastline. Lagos was one of the port cities highly affected by this change since it lost a significant portion of its income.In the following decades after the Restoration War against the Spanish, the Algarve faced financial crisis and hunger, which worsened until the end of the 17th century. However, the worst was yet to come.On the morning of November 1, 1755, a massive earthquake hit Southern Portugal and North Africa. With its epicenter at sea, the intense quake was followed by a 65-foot tsunami, which was felt across the Atlantic. This was the most devastating natural catastrophe ever recorded in Portugal.Lagos City Streets, by Vini Andrade. Source: UnsplashInevitably, the coastline between Lisbon and the Algarve was hit. In Lagos, more than 200 people out of 3,000 inhabitants died during the earthquake and tsunami, and many more died soon after. In the aftermath, one of the most prominent figures in the region was Anto Bravo de Sousa Castello, the coroner of Lagos, who ordered the rescue of the people who were still buried under the debris.A few months later, in February 1756, the town council asked the government for help, reporting that all the structures in Lagos had been destroyed. Besides that, the city needed to rebuild the bridge to allow the delivery of first-need supplies.The city council also implemented several measures to minimize the impact of the earthquake, such as banning livestock exports, price controls on building materials and food, and fixed workers wages. Nevertheless, due to the citys destruction, all commercial and administrative powers were transferred to Faro.Lagoss reconstruction lasted more than half a century. The commercial, military, and administrative power Lagos had gained during the Age of Discovery was irretrievably lost.Charming Lagos TodayLagos Coastline, photo by Cassia Tofano. Source: UnsplashFrom the second half of the 18th century until the early 20th century, Lagos became an irrelevant small fishing village hit by a series of unfortunate events. Apart from the occasional naval battles and other land conflicts, people had little motive to come and stay in Lagos.Global events such as the First and Second World Wars highly impacted Lagoss economy. During this period, this was a city dominated by industry. A large workforce, a direct connection to the inland Algarve, where raw materials and workers came from, and a port to ship products, helped put Lagos on the map.Of all the industries in Lagos, canned fish was the most impactful. Besides canning factories, other industrial products included cans for canning, wicker baskets, and olive oil. Industry peaked in 1920, with 32 companies operating in Lagos that year.As the local economy boomed, Lagos built its train station, the National Road 125, and installed electricity in the city. In the 1920s, the first tourists arrived by train and stayed in private homes and campsites.After the Second World War, Lagoss industries faced competition from foreign products and relocation to North Africa. Besides that, there was also a decline in fishing, which impacted the canning industry and led to its decay.As a result, the economy declined and was only revived in the 1980s and 1990s due to the tourist industry. Although tourism had been known in the city since the beginning of the 20th century, it was the opening of Faro Airport in 1965 that saw an increase in the number of visitors.Today, Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, especially during beach season.

The Best New Aldi Finds Of August 2025...

Perfecting Minecraft's most satisfying bit, $5 sandbox game hits 1,000,000 sales As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and other affiliate schemes. Learn more. There are increasingly fewer things you can get for just $5 nowadays, but one of 2025's most simple and satisfying sandbox games makes the...

There are increasingly fewer things you can get for just $5 nowadays, but one of 2025s most simple and satisfying sandbox games makes the cut, and its already proven a winner for more than a million eager players. A Game About Digging A Hole is, well, exactly what it says. Built by one person in their spare time, it whisks you back to the glorious days of early Minecraft, where all that mattered was you, a shovel, and some fresh dirt. Now, developer Doublebee says its speechless as it crosses the seven-figure milestone. Continue reading Perfecting Minecraft's most satisfying bit, $5 sandbox game hits 1,000,000 salesMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best sandbox games, Best indie games, Best single-player games

Summer's heat continues, but autumn's cooler temperatures will be here before you know it. Get ready for the season with these great August Finds at Aldi.

While Apple Watch batteries do degrade over time due to chemical aging, you can keep an eye on their health, and help to slow the process.