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Did Tolkien base Middle-earth on real history?

Tolkien enthusiasts have long debated the curious theory that Middle-earth, a realm filled with hobbits, elves, and orcs, isn't entirely fictional. Some suggest it’s Earth itself, just in prehistoric times before the so-called "Age of Man," a phrase popularized by historian Dan Carlin in his podcast 'Hardcore History.' While the origins of this idea remain hazy, it may trace back to Tolkien himself, who envisioned Middle-earth as England's mythology to rival those of the Greeks or Icelanders. The theory gained momentum following a 2022 University of Oxford lecture, 'On Hobbits and Hominins.' There, Victorian literature professor John Holmes teamed up with archeologists Rebecca Wragg Sykes and Tom Higham to explore intriguing parallels between Tolkien's races—like dwarves and hobbits—and ancient hominin species that once roamed our Earth. Click through the gallery to learn how ancient myths and wars shaped Tolkien’s famous world.

2025-04-21T07:09:46Z

American towns with peculiar claims to fame

Some towns and cities across America have unique claims to fame. These are places that are known for specific things, some of them quite peculiar. In this gallery, we bring you some of the most unique places in America with peculiar claims to fame. Click on to get to know them.

2025-12-24T13:15:42Z

Good luck charms and bad luck signs from around the world

People around the world have always tried to boost their good fortunes with talismans, trinkets, and tokens. Indeed, every culture and country has a different symbol or practice that they believe brings them fortune and good luck. Similarly, there are visions and signals that many believe are harbingers of misfortune and bad luck. So, are you feeling superstitious? Click through following gallery for some good luck charms and bad luck signs from around the world.

2025-12-31T09:15:44Z

Tourists complain about being stuck at luxury resorts amid cartel violence in Mexico

American tourists visiting the Puerto Vallarta have started to complain online about being stuck at luxury resorts as cartel violence ripped through the area.

2026-02-23T04:12:24Z

Check out these extravagant celebrity honeymoons

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so by extension your honeymoon should be the most important vacation of your life! Well, many celebrities tend to use all of the resources at their disposal to create a dream trip for their honeymoon (or honeymoons). Some go for private resorts on tropical islands, while others explore the wilds of Africa. The common themes are luxury, privacy, and exclusivity. Click through the following gallery to see where some of the most privileged couples in the world chose to go on their honeymoons.

2025-09-18T17:15:33Z

Interesting facts about airline food

Taking a flight soon? Worried about what you're eating? Fear not, this gallery will answer most (if not all) your questions about airline food. Read on for trivia about why airlines use undercooked meats and why you will never eat raw food in flights.

2025-03-03T12:04:07Z

2026-02-28T17:15:36Z

The greatest car collection you’ve never heard of

Take a virtual tour of the enormous car collection owned by Sheikh Faisal of Qatar

2026-03-09T02:20:02Z

Major cities vulnerable to natural disasters

When selecting a place to live or visit, weather is an important factor to consider. Mediterranean countries are popular due to their warm waters, while Scandinavian nations enjoy their icy cold temperatures. However, there are some destinations that possess entirely different climates. Take Tokyo and New York City, for example. These attractive locations draw millions but are also cities at high risk of natural disasters. There are supercities worldwide that are susceptible to typhoons, tsunamis, wildfires, and even earthquakes. To find out more about the places where nature's fury could strike at any moment, click through the gallery.

2024-01-15T14:35:16Z

US submarine uses torpedo to sink Iranian warship in international waters for first time since WWII

A US submarine sank an Iranian vessel using an underwater torpedo, for the first time since WWII, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday.

2026-03-04T14:27:25Z

Travellers set up unauthorised campsite with their caravans in council HQ's car park

Nearly 20 motorhomes rocked up to Teignbridge District Council's office building on Saturday, forcing visitors to 'walk or cycle' to the Newton Abbot, Devonshire, HQ 'where possible'.

2026-03-02T15:12:27Z

2026-03-14T01:07:35Z

Hands-on holidays: How 'skillcations' are changing the way we travel

From glassblowing in Vienna to weaving, sketching and cooking across continents, travellers are trading souvenirs for experiences – and returning home richer for it

2026-01-23T18:13:15Z

How a 'magical' sea that doesn't actually exist became the Maldives' top tourist attraction

A 'magical' looking sea that twinkles brightly in the night has become one of the Maldives' top tourist attraction.

2025-09-16T14:55:48Z

We've tracked down the world's most incredible sculptures and statues

These are some of the biggest, tallest and most awe-inspiring statues and sculptures worth seeking out on your travels.

2025-05-12T09:07:58Z

The fascinating past and present of the Panama Canal

It's been over 25 years since Panama gained control of the Panama Canal from the United States, a stranglehold the US had exercised since 1903. Recently expanded to allow the transit of larger ships, the canal remains one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But its construction is a story of danger, disease, tragedy, and triumph. Browse this gallery for an illustrated history of this unique waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.

2025-01-10T10:55:56Z

2026-03-01T19:03:42Z

Popular towns in Australia that travellers dub the 'creepiest'

Travellers have been sharing unsettling encounters from some of Australia's most spine-tingling locations.

2025-06-24T07:47:57Z

2026-03-06T13:10:14Z

2026-03-05T06:34:41Z

Celebrities who have been banned from other countries

Celebrities have the advantage of gaining access to exclusive locations and the opportunity to travel the world, unlike many of us. However, this also means that their behavior or political stance is subject to a higher level of scrutiny. As a result, certain countries have decided to ban these A-listers, despite their fame. Explore this gallery to discover which celebrities have faced bans from specific countries.

2024-01-12T07:45:13Z

Spain's 'desert coast' has 3,000 sunshine hours a year - and is £290 cheaper than Costa del Sol

The sunny southwestern region boasts desert landscapes, volcanic beaches and £3 pints - and offers as much as £250 in savings compared to a break in Costa del Sol.

2026-03-10T01:25:49Z

The world's top 10 tourism economies

Tourism is one of the world’s most influential industries, generating billions in revenue and employing millions globally. After a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has made a powerful comeback, with record-breaking travel, spending, and job creation. As international travel becomes more accessible, especially to the rising global middle class, tourism is poised to become an even larger contributor to national GDPs. In this gallery, we explore the world’s leading tourism economies and highlight key 2024 data that showcases the sector’s incredible rebound. Wondering which nations made the list? Click to find out. All figures are in USD.

2025-07-30T10:16:00Z

Private jet crash victims died in fireball after tycoon's wife insisted on flying during snowstorm

The Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 flipped during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on January and exploded in a fireball, killing all six people on board.

2026-03-10T15:27:35Z

All the airlines that allow pets onboard in the cabin - and what to feed them before take-off

Specialists at Years, a dog food subscription service, have shared the dos and don'ts of travelling with dogs on planes, including airline requirements and the foods to avoid feeding them before take-off.

2026-01-22T15:10:46Z

Celebrities who were friends before becoming famous

Most celebrities become friends with fellow stars upon first reaching fame, but there are some who knew each other way before hitting the red carpet together. Some were preschool classmates, and others roommates while trying to make it in Hollywood. And those are just some of the stories. Curious to see whose bond continued after fame? Read through the gallery to find out.

2025-07-30T09:30:47Z

2026-03-08T11:15:36Z

2026-03-09T11:00:37Z

Thousands of stranded Brits to arrive home from Middle East today as airlines ramp up flights

A repatriation flight is currently scheduled to leave Oman's Muscat International Airport at 11pm local time (7pm GMT) tonight and will prioritise the most vulnerable Brits.

2026-03-04T07:27:29Z

Europe's most picturesque small towns and villages

Charming villages full of traditional character, historic towns with plenty of cultural clout... Europe has them all. But where are the truly scenic destinations located? Browse the gallery and take a look at these photogenic eye-openers.

2024-01-31T13:37:09Z

43 of the world's most colourful destinations

We've selected a few of our favourite technicolour places and spaces that make for an eye-catching escape. Grab the shades as we tour the world's most colourful destinations...

2025-06-26T13:08:00Z

Why you should never turn on the lights when you walk in your hotel room for the first time

The first thing most people want to do when arriving in their hotel room is kick back and relax. Most of us flip on the lights, dump our suitcases and perch on the nearest sofa or chair.

2025-09-17T10:40:46Z

British tourist, 82, killed while sightseeing on Sri Lankan rail bridge by oncoming express train

The 82-year-old's body was thrown into the Bolgoda River below the bridge, just south of the country's capital Colombo on the west coast yesterday evening.

2026-03-10T13:42:27Z

Wild West city of 30 people could become ghost town if it cannot pay $10,000 debt within 24 hours

Shaniko, a former boomtown now home to just 30 residents, is racing to sell its historic City Hall within 24 hours or risk disincorporation.

2026-03-10T17:27:26Z

2026-03-07T08:10:24Z

Signs of life at Iran's abandoned Washington embassy, symbol of a once-vibrant relationship

Flowers and flags have appeared in front of building that hosted Hollywood-studded parties before it was shut in 1979

2026-03-06T18:14:29Z

2026-03-07T06:34:41Z

European road trips you need to try once in your life

There's nothing quite like hitting the road and driving in search of some special spots, and Europe is the ideal place for a road trip. A continent that offers a vast array of cities, attractions, and natural wonders, some of its most beautiful landscapes are easily missed if you just fly in and out of the biggest cities. From a luxurious trip around the French and Italian Riviera to the lush coastlines of Ireland, and a grand tour of Serbia and Romania, some of Europe's highlights are best viewed by taking the time to pass through them on wheels. Click on, and get ready to hit the road with some of the best road trips in Europe.

2024-07-04T11:06:23Z

The real love story behind the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous historic monuments in the world. The magnificent mausoleum was completed in 1648 and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions. But did you know that it only took shape because a bereaved husband wanted to honor his late wife with a place that would embody endless love and devotion? Intrigued? Click on and read about the love story that built the Taj Mahal.

2026-01-01T10:15:39Z

Revealed: Travellers who besieged hamlet with ten pitches are renting caravans out for £900-a-month

Residents of picturesque Shipley Bridge in Surrey say the planning system, designed to ensure that travellers have places to live in the UK, is instead being exploited for profit.

2026-03-02T20:42:30Z

2026-03-10T08:10:22Z

Life in the Dubai blitz: British families stranded in UAE forced to sleep on beds in hotel car parks

As Iranian missiles continue to rain down across the Middle East, Britons in Dubai have told the Daily Mail of their terror, taking shelter in car parks and nightclubs.

2026-03-02T16:27:31Z

The most expensive sculptures in the world

While paintings often dominate headlines and major art auctions, three-dimensional artworks hold their own records. Sculptures and installations routinely come at staggering prices that rival the most famous canvases. Collectors worldwide are willing to pay tens of millions of dollars to acquire these iconic pieces. The list of the most expensive sculptures ever sold features a fascinating mix of ancient artifacts, modern masterpieces, and contemporary creations. In this gallery, we explore the stories behind these extraordinary works and their massive price tags. Click to know more. All amounts in USD.

2026-03-11T20:20:40Z

Things you do at hotels that staff actually hate

Hotel workers deal with a lot of people every day, which is no easy feat. You, as a reasonable and kind person, understand that it's important to be polite and follow certain etiquette rules. However, you might not realize that, even with the best intentions, some polite habits aren't as polite as you might think. In fact, they might even get in the way of hotel workers doing their jobs. From trying to help housekeeping clean to asking about the receptionist's personal life, click on to discover common etiquette missteps.

2023-08-30T11:01:38Z

Abandoned landmark dubbed the 'world's first entertainment park' set to reopen after six years

The entertainment venue, which has fallen into disrepair since 2020, is set to be revamped, providing activities for the popular seaside town it's located in.

2026-03-11T19:26:17Z

2026-03-04T10:15:37Z

Why don't animals cross the imaginary Wallace Line?

In the heart of the Indonesian archipelago lies an invisible boundary that has fascinated scientists for over a century. It’s not a line drawn by politics or human hands, but rather by nature itself. If one were to travel from one part of Indonesia to another, this mysterious divide becomes more apparent as tigers and elephants roam on one side, and kangaroos and cockatoos thrive on the other. This is known as the Wallace Line, a dramatic boundary that has an incredibly surprising explanation. Why are species so vastly and dramatically different on both sides of this divide? Who could have possibly discovered it? And what does it say about the way animals exist around the world? Click through the following gallery to find out.

2024-10-24T12:11:08Z

The five-star capital of the world revealed in the 2026 Forbes Guide - as 20 UK hotels are listed

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has has unveiled its 2026 Star Awards, shining a light on the world's leading luxury hotels, cruises, restaurants and spas across more than 100 countries.

2026-02-12T15:11:23Z

Explore Europe's cute little countries

Europe is a wonderful continent, filled with spectacular countries. Thing is, there are plenty of European nations that don't get their due shine. Europe's smallest states and countries are actually some of the continent's most interesting. Find out more about them in this fun gallery.

2024-05-01T13:07:03Z

The most amazing temples in the world

Over the course of history, humanity has done great things in the name of religion. Some of those accomplishments include creating places of worship where divinities from every different belief system can be worshipped. Asia is hands-down the continent with the most majestic sacred temples, but as you peruse this list of 30 incredible temples to visit, you’ll see that there are breathtaking holy monuments in every corner of the world.

2024-10-04T00:50:13Z