The contributions of female explorers

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Following the path of Indiana Jones (or not) 🧳

Many of us dream of exploring the world in search of extraordinary artefacts with incredible powers, just like in the movies of Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. However, the reality of an archaeologist-adventurer is very different from what is often portrayed in those films. Let's examine the myth of the conquering explorer and the superhero archaeologist to understand what really lies behind this unrealistic image.

4:25 By: Ted Ed

During the Victorian Age, women were unlikely to become great explorers, but a few intelligent, gritty and brave women made major contributions to the study of previously little-understood territory. Courtney Stephens examines three women — Marianne North, Mary Kingsley and Alexandra David-Néel — who wouldn’t take no for an answer (and shows why we should be grateful that they didn’t).

Content produced by: TED Ed