In today’s History newsletter: It was the deadliest shark attack in history, but sharks weren’t even the worst part. Plus, the secrets hidden in Anne Boleyn’s long-lost book and what classicists say most people get wrong about the Odyssey.  

But first: There's a surprising theory for why the Roman Empire fell. 

ALESSANDRO SAFFO/FOTOTECA 9X12

Throughout antiquity, kingdoms and nations rose and fell but Rome stood strong—until its steep decline. The fall of this ancient superpower is so complex that historians are still debating it today, but a new theory has emerged in recent years.

NAVY HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Sidney Madden and produced by Alisher Egamov. Thanks for reading! Did someone forward this to you? Sign up for all our newsletters here. 

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