The holidays may almost be upon us, but this was one of the busiest weeks we’ve had this year in terms of reader engagement. You all loved hearing from Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and National Geographic Explorer Lynsey Addario about the photos she’ll never forget and what draws her to conflict zones. Readers also dove into the archives with a groundbreaking skull discovery by the Leakey family and devoured the often-overlooked history of a presidential assassination. Health stories were popular, too, especially one about how close we are to a cure for type 1 diabetes. Enjoy! 

—William O’Connor, Newsletter Editor 

The great Norse warriors not only believed in the afterlife, but saw it as their duty to help the deceased get there, with complex ceremonies such as burying their dead in ships.

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by William O'Connor and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Let us know if you have suggestions and sign up here to get the Photo of the Week on Sundays.