Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Gladiators Didn't Die As Often As You Think Jun 11, 2018

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Contrary to popular opinion, the chances of survival in gladiatorial games were higher than originally thought. In fact, only 1 in 9 fights ended in death.

Photographer Witnesses Final Moments Before Plane Crash Jun 04, 2018

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National Airlines Flight 102 took off from an airfield in northeastern Afghanistan on April 29, 2013. Minutes later, it would stall in midair before crashing to the ground.

The Meaning Behind Indian Henna Designs May 28, 2018

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The henna tradition at Indian weddings is rooted in Indian folklore and is both decorative and symbolic. Many of the elaborate floral patterns signify new beginnings, as well as a sense of purity.

This Mountain Lion Hides Her Kills in Abandoned Ranches May 28, 2018

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Adventurer Casey Anderson has tracked a female mountain lion to her unlikely den: an abandoned ranch close to his home. He ventures inside, camera in hand, for a closer look.

Watch a Man Snatch an Angry Cobra With His Bare Hands May 21, 2018

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How do you deal with a king cobra that's holed up in a busy village in India? If you're Gowri Shankar, world famous snake handler, it's a simple matter of grabbing the snake by the tail and putting it in a bag.

How Yosemite Became the Setting of a Chaotic 1970 Riot May 14, 2018

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Independence Day in 1970 at Yosemite National Park should have been an occasion for celebration. Instead, it became a day of violence between park rangers and young campers.

Runaway Slaves Built This Fort to Defend Their Freedom May 14, 2018

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An archaeological expedition into the wilderness of North Carolina uncovers evidence of a remarkable settlement once filled with runaway slaves determined to evade capture.

Princess Diana Knew Exactly How to Be Photographed May 07, 2018

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Princess Diana demonstrated a remarkable savviness for bending the press coverage in her favor, from her iconic wardrobe to instinctively knowing what made a great photo.

Lioness Underestimates the Strength of an Impala Apr 30, 2018

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A solitary lioness in her new home of Akagera, Rwanda, is tracking a herd of impala. Two problems: The impala here are stronger than the ones back home, and their horns can be lethal.

Why This Rolls-Royce Starlight Feature Costs $12,000 Apr 30, 2018

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If you're a fan of driving under a starry sky, Rolls-Royce has you covered with its unique 'starlight' option adorning the ceilings of its luxury car. But that twinkle will set you back an additional $12,000.