In today’s History newsletter:  The Wright Brothers’ original 1903 Flyer made history —but it was another plane they built that truly brought about modern aviation. Plus, the architectural legacy of this 19th-century romance novel and the dino ‘monsters’ of Patagonia.  

But first: Inside the thrilling chariot races of ancient Rome’s Circus Maximus.  

BRIDGEMAN/ACI

Cheering crowds, fast horses, dramatic accidents, and even a little sorcery made up a typical day of chariot racing in Rome as thousands flocked to watch their favorite spectator sport. 

GEORGE RINHART, CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Sidney Madden and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading! Did someone forward this to you? Sign up for all our newsletters here. 

Clicking on the Facebook, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

This email was sent to  [email protected]:  Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

This email contains an advertisement from:
National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036

Stop all types of future commercial email from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences.
Manage all email preferences with the Walt Disney Family of Companies.

© 2026  National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.