The Extinct Appalachian Jaguars... that Explorers saw
On the first episode of American Wilds we dive into the lost & forgotten history of the extinct Jaguars of Appalachia that explorers actually saw 300 years ago - providing irrefutable historical accounts of their existence on the American east coast between 1680-1825.
American Wilds is a new series that dives into the unknown & forgotten history of the Americas: the Indian Wars, wildlife, the frontier & much more!
Luke Caverns is an American Explorer-Anthropologist & History Channel guest expert. He comes from a lineage of explorers & antiquarians who searched for lost Spanish treasure as far back as the 1890’s in the American Southwest.
Why these Ancient Cities Stay Hidden for Centuries
Did archaeologists just discover another massive Maya city hiding in the jungle?
Archaeologist Dr. Ed Barnhart breaks down the discovery of Valeriana, a newly identified Maya city in Campeche, Mexico—revealed not by machetes, but by LiDAR.
Using repurposed forest-monitoring scans, researchers uncovered a sprawling urban center with pyramids, a ballcourt, reservoirs, and an estimated 6,000 buildings—rivaling the great city of Calakmul itself.
But here’s the bigger story…
This region of the southern Yucatán has long been known to hold secrets. From ornate Terminal Classic “Chenes-style” sites along the highway to vast, unmapped forests stretching toward Guatemala’s Petén, archaeologists have suspected for decades that major cities remain hidden.
"Sumatra Gold"refers primarily to the historic and modern, and often controversial, gold mining industry on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, which has been known as an "Island of Gold" since ancient times.
Key aspects include:
Martabe Mine: One of the largest gold mines in Sumatra and the world, the Martabe mine is an open-pit mine, located in North Sumatra, that produces both gold and silver, with operations expected to continue until 2032.
The Martabe Gold Mine, located approximately 40 km southeast of Sibolga in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is an operating gold mine that processes 4.5 Mt of gold ore per year. .
Environmental Concerns & Illegal Mining: The industry faces significant scrutiny due to illegal, small-scale mining in protected areas, which uses harmful mercury and causes deforestation. Expansion of legal mines, like Martabe, has also sparked concern for endangered species like the Tapanuli orangutan.
Historical Significance:
Ancient "Island of Gold": As early as the 3rd century BC, Sumatra was known for its rich gold deposits in the central highlands, particularly in the Minangkabau region.
Srivijaya Kingdom: The wealth generated by gold and other natural resources fueled the powerful Srivijaya maritime empire (13th to 17th centuries).
Known in ancient times as Suvarnadvipa ("Island of Gold"), Sumatra was a major center for trade and the Srivijaya kingdom.
Marco Polo also referred to the island of Sumatra as an island of gold during his return journey from China in 1292.
Ancient Names:
At the time, Sumatra was known by the Sanskrit names Svarnadvipa ("Island of Gold") and Svarnabhumi ("Land of Gold") due to the rich gold deposits found in its highlands.
Marco Polo's Account: While Polo referred to Island of Sumatra as "Java the Less," he noted it was a massive island that contemporary Arab and Indian traders had long associated with gold production.
Recent Developments (2025-2026):
In early 2026, the Indonesian government moved to take over the Martabe gold mine, with plans to potentially permit "community" mines, raising concerns among activists.
Illegal mining, often supported by corrupt officials, continues to be a major environmental issue in West Sumatra
Sumatra, also known as the "Island of Gold," has a legacy that shines as brightly as the gold found in the upstream of the Batanghari River. This wealth is beautifully reflected in the traditional attires of Jambi, Kerinci and Minangkabau, which are adorned with intricate gold details, celebrating a rich history and cultural heritage.
The new discovery of Buddhist statue and Srivijaya era gold jewelry on the banks of the Musi River (South Sumatra ) so many discoveries of gold on the banks of the Musi River, One prove that why this island is called svarnadwipa/SvarnaBhumi (golden island/golden land) in past.
) so many discoveries of gold on the banks of the Musi River, One prove that why this island is called svarnadwipa/SvarnaBhumi (golden island/golden land) in past.
