This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
Agatha Christie's adventurous 'second act' plays out in Mesopotamia
After a devastating divorce, the crime novelist took a trip to Baghdad in 1928 and lost her heart—to the ancient sites of Iraq and archaeologist Max Mallowan.
This ivory carving of a young man grasping a lotus flower, a symbol of eternity, was found at Nimrud during excavations in the 1950s led by Agatha Christie's second husband, Max Mallowan.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
- World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truthWorld’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
- Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?
Environment
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
- Why taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadlyWhy taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadly
- California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
- Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?
Travel
- Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to missCanada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss
- 5 new things to do for families on the British coast5 new things to do for families on the British coast