Who made these circles in the Sahara?

Someone left these marks in the sand. We had to find out who.
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Deep in the Sahara, far from any towns, roads, or other signs of life, is a row of markings in the sand. There are dozens of them stretching for miles in a straight line in central Algeria, each consisting of a central point surrounded by a circle of 12 nodes, like numbers on a clock. And when we started making this video, no one seemed to know what they were.
We first saw the circles back in September 2021, after finding a Reddit post on r/WhatIsThis with coordinates asking what the circles could be. With just two upvotes and two commenters, it wasn’t exactly a lively discussion. But seeing the circles themselves on Google Earth was fascinating: They were eerily perfect in their shape and regularity, but so deeply isolated in the desert. We were hooked on finding an answer.
So we decided to make a video out of trying to solve the mystery, no matter where it took us. We documented every step of the process - from Zoom calls and web browser screen recordings to vlogs and field shoots - to show the reporting process from the inside out. And when we maxed out what we could learn on the internet, we handed over this story to a team in Algeria to take it all the way.
Resources:
Check out the circles for yourself: www.google.com/maps/@27.27012...
Read Will K’s original post: / ive_just_discovered_un...
Here’s the 1885 document that Melissa found: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi...
Read Dale Lightfoot on the sustainability of qanats: link.springer.com/article/10....
My interview with Marta Musso didn’t make the final cut, but you can check out her work on the history of the hydrocarbon industry and Algerian decolonization: www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1mt...
I also spoke to Roberto Cantoni, who wrote a great book that covers the same history: www.taylorfrancis.com/chapter...
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[@Vox]

Hi everyone! We hope you enjoyed this adventure - this video was a huge experiment for us in format and storytelling, with months of work, dozens of contributors, and lots of moving parts. We’d love to answer any questions you have about our process in this thread, so ask away! And if you have suggestions for the next one … leave them below, too! -Christophe

[@delasoulful1]

Understandably this was a great, epic undertaking with countless hours invested. I have to say as a viewer it was well worth it. An amazing watch start to finish, with great production value. Hats off to you and the team.

[@AndrewCerny]

What does an investigation like this cost?

[@iamvinku]

More Reddit rabbit holes please! You guys did a fantastic job with this one. Did the OP of the Reddit post have anything to say about everything you uncovered?

[@lekettenkrad]

How close did the project come to failure? After all the (seemingly) false leads, was it a matter of sunken cost? Was some sweet talking of management involved? Great stuff.

[@unvergebeneid]

I only have two words for you: moar! MOAR! 😄

[@onceuponatimeonearth]

Of course there is a man, somewhere on Earth, collecting sardine cans that knows the entire history of sardine cans. Incredible.

[@thenewelite4628]

That's the great thing about the antique business in general- There is always at least one highly specialized collector that we can call upon when an obscure mystery item props up. Knowledge is priceless.

[@allih8021]

These are the little things that just make me love humankind. Such an eccentric hobby - and yet, without him, they might never have solved this mystery! C'est magnifique!

[@xenia3143]

Love that he knew all of this! Fantastic

[@Mr._Blackjack]

Underrated Comment

[@backtotheraw]

I france we call those guys Francois Pignion. A recurring fiction name in some comedies.

[@puzzLEGO]

I think it's incredible that nowadays with the right searching online you can find experts on the most specific things from “Algerian Saharan oasis manager” to "french sardine can collector"

[@squirrels24seven]

😁

[@hummusgorilla]

To « Russian vodka manufacturer »

[@TheKatiecoxx]

Right?! When he said he found a sardine can collector I was like “of course you did” 😂😭

[@antonio97b]

The only thing that disappoints me is it’s not steve1989mreinfo that came to the rescue. “Nice hiss”

[@sneakyfleeky825]

I saw this comment before watching through the entire video and thought you were exaggerating with the "french sardine can collector" one. I laughed out loud when lo and behold...

[@hodwooker5584]

I was an employee of a company called Western Geophysical in 1968 to 1969. The company performed seismic surveys all over the region of Sweetwater County in Wyoming. A typical shot required a drill hole 100 to 150 feet deep. A 5lb stick of Dynamite would be placed at the bottom of the drill hole. We would back fill the hole and then the charge would be detonated with an electric cap. The sensors would pick up the vibrations and the data would be recorded for later analysis. Our crew was among the last of the drill and blast teams. If you research the subject you should find that an incredible number of these shot holes have been a real problem. A fair number of the shots would be wet, below the water table that is. Often these holes would”blow out”. That is the back fill would fire out of the shot hole like a shot gun. These holes were very difficult for the crews to fill back in. The standard practice was to stuff drilling mud bags and sage brush as far down as we could and scrape what ever dirt and rock that we could after the bags and brush. A very large number of these holes have opened up to the surface and have developed into rather large hazards. We had no idea that a 4 inch hole could collapse into its self and surface like they have. I really don’t know if The company knew about this collapse or not. But i am sure that most if not all of the field hands had no idea. Our surveys were not circular the drill holes were laid out in a straight line and ran for many miles. The last of the surveys i worked on were in of the Jim Bridger Power plant and coal mine. The power plant was still under construction at that time.

[@kulik03]

interesting!

[@darkallegiance666]

Fascinating information - thank you! 💐

[@s70driver2005]

Amazing

[@realsale.official]

wow

[@kieran-devereux]

I find myself always coming back to this video because it perfectly encapsulates human curiosity. As a google earth enthusiast myself, these are the things I always wonder about. It brings me joy knowing there's others out there doing the same. Well done to everyone that worked on this project, beautifully made!

[@mukhtarmohammed6654]

👍

[@philippeanginot]

Thanks guys for your comments ! Never been so proud to be a sardinologist !

[@__0AA0__]

It was nice seeing someone passionate about something other people see as weird or unnecessary and end up being a contribute to understand history and Unravel a mystery. Thank you so much ❤️.

[@dashcammalaysia1748]

Hahahaha wow you were amazing. Who would've known someone with your hobby could've had such an impact in this adventure of stitching history together...just wow.

[@shafira1622]

You're an awesome person!

[@colekwan2378]

What's a sardinologist?

[@yacce4463]

One of the most interesting parts of this journalistic investigation was your interest for sardine cans. Awesome!

[@GhotiCan]

I would watch an entire series on Google Earth investigations! Mystery, adventure, speculation, expertise, this video has it all!

[@illbeyourstumbleine]

Yes! I left a comment abt that disc like shape in Antarctica. I would totally donate money for a crew willing to go down and get video's of what it truly is. A different kind of dessert that is equally if not more unforgiving. Keeps these kinda things a mystery.

[@jshaw4757]

That is needed mate...really need some folks (heros) ...long as they genuine people with genuine intentions I don't care if they wanna earn money too as long as the original intention is there passion...I would back that along with several million others when the right freelance teams pop up

[@ashley4372]

Curious dark as a really cool video on,

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

this is a fantabulous idea!!!!

[@ollie4022]

@@illbeyourstumbleine Sadly it’s far more expensive to go to Antarctica. Just to send someone out there can cost in excess of 10,000 dollars per person, and expeditions can range beyond 100,000 per person depending on the complexity and nature of the research. Although I would also love to see it done too.

[@wasifanoshin]

"These circles are the scars of colonialism." gave me goosebumps, my favourite line from this video that I think sums it up for me. This video is so beautifully produced, Christophe!

[@leenviolite8255]

The highlight of this video

[@oilyvio]

brutal yet beautifully said

[@Mephitinae]

That's the sole reason this video was made. They knew from the start it had something do with with the oil industry, and the 25 minute "mystery" narrative was just fluff. These people are paid 6 figures per year to invent new creative ways to say "white man bad".

[@citizenkane2349]

And only thanks to colonialism the country managed to be somewhat successful. Pity they couldn't do it themselves.

[@silentKeys20]

@@citizenkane2349 You can say that to a lot of third world or developing countries. Yes they do have huge impact in the future of said place, being good or bad, but colonialism is still colonialism, an act of greed.

[@justincase5272]

"I found somebody who's been collecting sardine cans for..." I greatly admire your tenacity! If anyone else could have put the pieces of the puzzle together, they would have. Since they didn't... You're the man! Seriously -- excellent work!

[@DobraEspacial]

I'm speechless. This video is a gift to the world. Well done, guys.

[@SDStudiosAnimations]

You can't not see Vox's videos

[@kogy426]

loved every part of that video ,and every single person in that video seems really professional and passionate about their jobs. which made me kind of depressed with the boring office job i have but at least i can still enjoy watching them create this awesome video and journey

[@walkerfharris]

why was it a gift to the world? Its holes dug for finding oil...

[@DobraEspacial]

@@walkerfharris Read that again, dude. I said the VIDEO is a gift to the world, not the holes.

[@MRswordfish000]

I have such an appreciation for people actually going out and covering hundreds of kilometers to figure out what a curious find in the middle of nowhere actually is. Now we need to get Vox on figuring out what the Richat Structure actually is.

[@iea96]

This… This is the kind of content, the kind of journalism, the kind of research I’m subscribed for. Absolutely incredible.

[@KarinLynnBates]

Yes!!

[@iw4075]

exactly!

[@thinkbeforeyoutype7106]

Exactly!

[@medotaku9360]

I hate how overused the word "this" has become.

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

@@medotaku9360 like when everyone was calling everything “epic” a few years ago. 🙄

[@jonathanmartin3503]

This documentary is just epic because you guys actually found answers. Most docs I watched on tv usually end up with more questions but you guys made it all the way through. I felt extremely satisfied at the end, very refreshing. Many thanks to you and everyone involved. (This was randomly suggested by yt and the title got me) Very good work.

[@AshiStarshade]

Are you sure you were watching real documentaries and not some junk?

[@jonathanmartin3503]

@@AshiStarshade talking about this type of mystery documentary. They rarely come up with answers, mostly theories. Was just expressing how satisfying it was to watch. It's not something huge like the pyramids but it a solved thing and they showed all the steps. Was a nice watch.

[@captainp.2721]

You're welcome

[@tomaszcz_k]

Managing Money is different from accumulating wealth, and the lack of investment education in schools may explain why people struggle to maintain their financial gains. The examples you provided are relevant, and I personally benefited from the market crisis, as I embrace challenging times, while orders tend to avoid them. Well, at least my advisor does too...

[@WiolciaMrozowska531]

I've been struggling with finances for months after my divorce, wasn’t able to get full child support from my ex and also the bills are so much for me For real.

[@AnnaFed015]

John Desmond Heppolette has been instrumental in helping us achieve financial stability and save for retirement. With his guidance, we earned over 220K during a market dip, revealing the market's complexity. Having an investment adviser, especially for those at risk of losses, is currently the wisest choice...

[@WiolciaMrozowska531]

Thanks, I found your coach online easily and researched him before our call. His online resume indicates knowledge and expertise...

[@stanleyzac1648]

Thanks to Sir John Desmond Heppolette, my investments have flourished. However, the ultimate determinant is the amount of capital you invest. A significant starting budget increases the potential for higher gains.

[@MatgorzataZielinska]

Sir John Desmond Heppolette's approach is crucial for succeeding in online commerce. His management group has been exceptionally effective. I turned $14k into almost $288k in compounded gains under his guidance.

[@nitrogen1026]

Honestly, it's incredible how you found these people and they helped you on the journey. Professors, officials, archeologists, technology workers, etc. It shows how valuable connections really are.

[@tomasviane3844]

... and also how intriguing the subject was. Imagine an archeologist who had no interest in this...

[@morriscolenbrander1395]

Don't forget the sardine can collector

[@gwho]

and how crippling social anxiety, avoidant personality disorder is.

[@mlm0000009]

Also how people all over the world for the most part just want to be kind to there fellow women, & men. I love seeing other countries with no potential religious or ethnic backgrounds work together to discover things about the world we live in. I believe its just a tiny few in power that drive wedges between us all. I love seeing people work together

[@WahannuKalingga]

Even a sardine can collector

[@zappababe8577]

It's amazing that there was someone who was an expert in sardine cans, and he even ran a museum of the exhibits he had found or collected! It takes a village, as they say. There are people who have these very specialised interests and you'd never know anything about them or how they had devoted their entire lives to this one, very specific, subject - until someone else comes along and requires their help. Then, suddenly, all the work they had put into this one subject is very helpful in ways that neither the expert nor the investigator could have ever envisaged. Wow - thanks to everyone who liked my comment! You've made me very happy!

[@katiekawaii]

Yes!

[@saul4th68]

It makes you wonder, if at that point in that person's life they get a sense that maybe all their hard work throughout the years was meant for that specific moment in time.

[@DipanGhosh]

Yes! This is why passion is so important. May seem pointless, but passion always has its value.

[@shunal]

His introduction was honestly the most mind blowing part of the whole video. He is like the superhero who shows up at the climax of a movie and saves everyone.

[@nik67502]

It said under the photo that it was an "imaginary museum" but in the vid they didn't say that

[@nomars4827]

How on Earth those surface scars are still visible after 70 years!? They haven't been covered with sand and dust. That's truly amazing.

[@winstongriffiths5640]

That is an amazing observation

[@TheJttv]

Same as the Nazca lines what you are seeing is the small rocks missing. Its not what is there. Its what isnt

[@blackeyes3313]

There is no sand there, in the desert there are many types of floors, this area is called Hamada, it is covered with gravel, not sand.... Try to visit it , it's so beautiful.

[@Melissamoreau24]

@@TheJttv(you beat me to it! I was just about to say something similar!)

[@DumbestDumbFool]

and it seems like it's located in less windy area, and neither for earthquakes nor rain. It's an incredible consistent weather for 6 decades, plus we all can see the effect of gravity compacting everything on land when nothing is blowing them away, the first geological survey teams must have wasted so much resources just to dig the hole

[@lalicaroful]

This was beautiful to watch... I would love to see more of this. I especially love how the multi generations, people who collect oddities, experts of different fields around the globe came together ... the entire ensemble of this felt wholesome. Thank you for this.

[@daleschroeder232]

I am a 71 year old traveler. No longer able to physically go exploring. I just happened upon your story searching through KZbin for adventure. Your relentless efforts to investigate these markings in the desert is truly an example of modern technology continuing the pursuit of the unknown. Adventure and exploration may change techniques, but the thrill of discovery remains the same. I must agree, Good Job!

[@loypurdoy3950]

Do you have any advice for the young traveller of life?

[@tomascontreras5152]

Check out Yes Theory if you haven't already!

[@daleschroeder232]

@@tomascontreras5152 Been there. Done that. I've accomplished many dreams. I've lost over 100lbs. I've broken my legs and feet 7 times adventuring. Not to mention arms and shoulders. My 1 to 10 pain level scale starts at 4. The quote from the closing of YES Theory is, "Seek discomfort" NOPE, NO MORE. I seek pain relief now.

[@dopaminecloud]

@@daleschroeder232 Haha, fair enough. If you ever feel like rambling about some of your stories to a camera I'll be there to watch them.

[@dmyrick6438]

Bless your heart sir

[@R04K]

From an obscure, orphaned Reddit post about a 'bunch of 22-circle marks in the middle of a desert' to a 'mind-bending 27 mins' (countless months of work at Vox) of documentary - involving the scars of colonialism, French canned food & some good ol' dynamite, this is one of the best pieces of content on the Internet. Take a bow - Team Vox, Samir Abchiche and his Algerian crew !

[@bsbx]

hey, vox should at least link any of samir's stuff so we can support his work too!

[@criticalcrash]

I love that there’s a sardine can collector!! The world is filled with wonderful people who are passionate about the greatest things. Thank you for pursuing this and sharing it. I did feel like I was on the edge of my seat at some parts!

[@lavanyaduhan8566]

This is the kind of video which this generation needs. Hats off to your team for doing such a detailed research, not everyone invests so much of their time for such researches. All of the people who provided assistance are really generous because in India no official is ready to help you. ❤👏👏🎉

[@BeastJuanGaming]

The most interesting part was the old desert guide from the 50's he held so much more information than most researchers and professionals due to experience it's fascinating

[@__0AA0__]

Yes exactly, fascinating to say the least, he got the date right and still remember the company's acronym 😬. ماشاء الله ربي يعطيه الصحة

[@googleanti-speech7618]

Yeah that is usually....wait no that has always been the case, since forever. The difference is you have a group of people who study words on pages, written and collected from people like the old desert guide. And then you have people like the old desert guide who gather and collects information based in and around reality as he lives it. One group is "educated" while the other actually changes the world and lives in reality, which he can mentally grasp on a whole other level than those who are "educated" A good professional isn't one who read 2 books, but one who spent 40 years in reality doing the work

[@sipo3600]

@@googleanti-speech7618 educated vs experienced, people who study it vs people who live it

[@nousername7582]

or because not much goes on there. im sure those type of things would stick out to the man who was also the desert guide around those times

[@Locutus]

50s, not 50's. Fifties, not fiftie's.

[@aymanTV1]

"They're evidence of one country's attempts to take the resources of another" - that part gave me chills.

[@MikeLi1019]

Like Russia today

[@calvinnyala9580]

@Dark Knight whataboutism

[@thedimensionalidea8396]

@@calvinnyala9580 Nope, its about keeping things in context, and not forgetting the past.

[@maryam.m]

Same. I got spooked.

[@mrpotatomanboii3237]

@@calvinnyala9580 no it isn't, people just mindlessly say russia now and forget everything that happened before

[@sharonminsuk]

Around 17:00 - wow. Brings a whole new meaning to "the middle of nowhere".

[@sumitmenaria1]

The editing of this video is on another level...how you integrated communication and documentation into video was very beautiful. Also, story telling was very good. Keep it up.

[@RPHelpingHand]

*This should be a series. Mysteries of Google Earth explored* So many fascinating things I’ve always wanted to know what it was

[@notreadingatm8244]

Yes! It should be

[@kruks]

Well, most things have an apparent explanation a Google click away, as if it's large enough to be seen from satellite imagery, there's probably an explanation to be found. It's less often something like this is in the middle of an enormous dessert, thus has no inhabitants, and is just faint enough to avoid discovery for a long time.

[@tiermacgirl]

Yessss

[@timeagan893]

This was my thought as well (see my comment).....This has the potential to be a hit series of broadcasts....I cant think of a single reason why this would not be a EXTREMELY successful series of shows

[@memyselfandeye76]

@@kruks didn't they get the answer in the beginning? The first or second person they contacted?

[@astrokattt]

It’s so strangely inspiring to have someone specialized for everything: You have a desert guide, a senior researcher and your sardine can expert.

[@iamvinku]

You see these people with esoteric interests on Reddit a lot but it's nice to see them in real life

[@larsstougaard7097]

I'm hungry for more 🐟, I want a video about that sardine museum.

[@Swansniff2]

And you have bob.

[@1joao_]

Easily one of the best videos ever made on youtube. Congrats to all people involved. Thanks for the content and I hope to see more in the future

[@alexd302]

You guys are amazing! I am so pleased to have found you. What you do is what National Geographic used to do many, many years ago. Sadly, they don't anymore, and I have long ago lost interest in that publication. You just satisfy the enquiring mind. Keep up the great work you are doing. Thank you so much.

[@ryanehoward]

This was fantastic. The local Algerian crew did an especially amazing job. What a huge effort by everyone involved.

[@DavidBock1]

This is really how journalism should be done.

[@BoiledPatato]

Yes

[@engrmoutassim]

Main takeaway from this video, is that there’s always someone with valuable knowledge out there, and someone else who’s eagerly determined to seek for it.

[@fxm5715]

I'm the guy that suggested geological survey. I wish the guy had just sent me an im through reddit about why I thought that.

[@KeenanV]

And it is that aspect of the internet that represents it's greatest potential

[@ajolillen]

@@fxm5715 Did you actually know about the old technique? If so, did you specify that in the comment?

[@x9147]

Another takeaway is that you shouldn’t blindly trust “leading experts” telling you something with “100-percent confidence”. 🥴 In this case that they aren’t seismic arrays.

[@j.a.velarde5901]

I love your documentaries, Vox. Thank you for the effort and the wonder. I wish you and your company so much hope and prosperity.

[@rogermaioli]

I've watched tons of Vox explainers and documentaries, and to me this one is the best. It's also better than almost all long-feature documentaries out there, in part because it gets to the point straight away and never loses sight of it. Super top!

[@hellohello-dp6wg]

the most unbelievable is that someone has collected sardine cans in 40 years . I love to see a documentary on that guy 😁

[@pencilme1n]

Yes. Worrying isn’t it.

[@quirk3]

He’s been waiting for this moment his whole life. Even friends and family shunned him for his fishy obsession, he stayed true to his cause and, for that, I salute him 🫡

[@FreakMeat74]

Anything that can be owned, will be collected by someone. Anything..

[@elizabethrios7759]

My response was ment for the !!! hello, hello person !!!!! And idfc what yall think!!!!!

[@elizabethrios7759]

This man has suffered and may be at risk !!!!!!

[@Zalidia]

Samir's an absolute legend man. He went above and beyond to figure out what the circles were. Mad respect

[@alwaystired1]

They definitely found the best Algerian crew they could've, they went above and beyond

[@zesu09]

couldve gotten blown up n still went ahead. gg to him.

[@ryuugaeisen8946]

I admire him for that...

[@muhammadsayyidridhwan3323]

I love a good story with desert, history, adventure and mistery. Good editing and good music too. Thanks, Vox. Please make more stories like this one :)

[@ika32]

This is my most favourite documentary of all time. I keep coming back to it, it was just such a great and interesting story that was very well told.

[@AverageJournalismEnjoyer]

hi ika, i saw that you loved this documentary so much and i EXTREMELY suggest looking at a very similar video that VOX also did with the same host, its in their channel and its called "What's inside this crater in madagascar" TRUST ME its the same type of research done in this video 🙌

[@ika32]

@@AverageJournalismEnjoyer I loved that video!! I actually watched it the day it came out lol, but thanks for reminding me, I think I might rewatch it!

[@thebigfatboo]

This video isn't just about finding out what those circles are, it's fantastic storytelling, from start to finish. I can't watch a movie without losing interest in the first 5 minutes, but this? This is a masterpiece. Thank you Vox, Christophe and Samir.

[@unvergebeneid]

Makes you realize how untouched that region is. The fact that 70-year-old tire tracks are still visible!

[@walnutsandbeastiality866]

Why can't a bicycle stand up by itself? Because it's two tired! Co-hoh! Heheheh

[@babyyoda1091]

yeah untouched like you 💀

[@nw2861]

But doesn't the sand shifts by the wind blowing? Won't it cover the tracks?

[@walnutsandbeastiality866]

@@nw2861 ,,You see, here in Miami, we can tell everything by the flow of the blow." (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Raw Deal)

[@loco_tom]

@@nw2861 I guess heavy vehicles compacted and shaped the tracks, thus they stick out. Sand is also different from one region to another and is blown around differently or winds aren't as strong to move whole sand dunes, so they remain there and with little erosion or rain they're pretty much permanent features... Kind of like Nazca lines still remain visible.

[@ksv314]

This is sheer reporting brilliance. Not every story needs a manufactured high-octance suspense-filled ending - but every story does need to present the right facts in a responsible manner. You guys absolutely nailed it.

[@riofernandoalexander6812]

This is so satisfying to watch. Tnanks Chris & team! Would love to see more /exploration/ like this.

[@andrewchristiansen9670]

I have a degree in anthropology, and studied archeology for years. This video reminded me of why I studied what I studied. Humans have baked history into the very soil beneath our feet. Great video.

[@DruKnox]

I’m currently majoring in anthropology, I feel you man! It’s so important for us to be in touch with our history and knowing what shaped the world around us!

[@carlosdumbratzen6332]

That is what I thought aswell. I was so glad that they took an archaeologist on their expedition, as I ve seen too many of these videos where the end was inconclusive, because they didnt have experts to help them with what to look for.

[@jonashartwig738]

I am a trained retail salesman and these tin cans reminded me of the reason why I studied what I study and just give me a boost in my mood when standing there in the store and operating the register.

[@dustyplasma]

Don’t know nova…see Suspicious Observers channel aka Ben Davidson 〰️

[@someonenobody5582]

I'm taking an anthropology class in college (in Canada) and I really would like to make it my future career. Was it difficult getting a job with that degree? (Also what type of job/career path?) Hope you don't mind my curiosity 😊

[@d3adweight]

The idea of desert guides in that area having so much knowledge about the things that went on in that area, most of which will be forgotten is so fascinating to me, makes you think of all the stories, little tidbits, general observations about life by people that came before, lost forever

[@salparadies4679]

Oh yes I thought exactly the same! And the only way to access their stories is to go there and speak to them. Even the best internet research won't help if the person you are looking for doesn't use it:)

[@tylerjacome6384]

@@jeremymiller4395 thankyou I was just talking with some about this today

[@k.k8791]

Yeah it's kinda sad to think about all the people who had lives and stories but now they're just forgotten with nothing to relate to them

[@d3adweight]

@@k.k8791 we gon be right there with them pretty soon brother, the recorded history of the world only talks about rulers and influential people of the world, not an average worker/farmer/trader that was a part of those societies and empires

[@Jane.Doe.]

This was an absolutely fantastic mystery solved! 👀👋 Props for the high grade production work and all around amazing job. Loved it.

[@eddiekach9222]

This was amazing to watch,the time and hard work put into it was worth every single bit of the documentary..Keep up the Good work,

[@migueldeleon3938]

The fact that you replied to the reddit post gave me so much goosebumps. Like how incredible one person just curious about some small detail on the internet made a whole team and a number of people gather to help research about it, and after so many hours of hardwork and many months of preparations, it really paid off! Not just to the one who originally posted on reddit, but now the entire community who just watched your documentary! Definitely now one of my favorite documentary video and will be one of the memorable one. Thank you to all of you who made this possible!

[@random_things7u]

Do you know any other video about something like that !

[@damomguy2801]

too bad the guy posting the original post may never see that reply, since they deleted their account

[@AnirudhTammireddy]

@@damomguy2801 bruh its a made up account for the video.

[@ambroseii]

Very inspirational documentary. Great job to Vox and all the people and specialists that contributed to answering the curious question of a reddit user. ❤

[@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists]

yup, really a quest of international scale....great !

[@Richibull17]

The fact that the grandpa was able to recall the exact year and the name of the entity in charge of the seismic surveys with such swiftness... very impressive. Thanks Vox for such an interesting investigation.

[@Astrobrant2]

I was very impressed with that, too. Of course, you've got to consider that there is probably very little interaction with outsiders way out there in the desert. It makes such encounters more memorable.

[@rickb06]

Yes, his memory is INCREDIBLE! What an awesome older man, I'm sure he's seen a lot, I'd love to buy him a cup of coffee and chat about life.

[@squamish4244]

@@Astrobrant2 He may have been a guide for very many people or groups over the decades though.

[@user-hk8yp7cw1v]

@@rickb06 Coffee isn't that good.

[@marshalbaek5580]

Time to investigate this man's life to see why his memory is so good. Is it due to a lifestyle of eating right, exercise, etc? The environment he's lived in? Family genetic history? The devil is always in the details.

[@SnowiDragon]

Wow everything on this channel is so high quality! Huge props

[@arrjhaysantillan1215]

I was really deeply amazed how dedicated Vox team and all the people involved and helped in every documentary. Kudos! Thank you so much for this.

[@itsonlyafleshwound9024]

This is exactly the kind of thing the internet was made for. A monumental effort including dozens of people, some of whom even endangered themselves, just to find out about some niche thing halfway around the world. Incredible.

[@levitatingoctahedron922]

they knew what they were at the beginning of the video. this is blatant political journalism.

[@SpencerGD]

@@levitatingoctahedron922 how is this political?

[@levitatingoctahedron922]

@@SpencerGD "scars of colonialism" "nations thieving the resources of other nations" give me a break

[@SpencerGD]

@@levitatingoctahedron922 how is that not the case here? Do you think Algeria was given a fair deal? Wouldn't it have been fairer to leave the exploitation of those resources in the hands of Algeria (a former colony of France)? After all, that could have allowed the Algerian government to establish a national industry and fund core government services to improve the lives of Algerian citizens.

[@itsonlyafleshwound9024]

@@levitatingoctahedron922 It doesnt make any sence for them to have known. This would mean that it must have been completely obvious what the circles were. How about you take down your cynicism a bit?

[@nikmio9197]

This doc really gave me chills, just imagine if that old man had passed away, you would've never known who went there and when. Think of how much history has been lost after certain people have died without passing down their knowledge

[@themosho9492]

This just blew my mind.

[@krtierney]

It is not lost. There are many things in action that you do not perceive.

[@derpnerpwerp]

I mean.. the guys interview was very helpful but.. it seems like the avenue he pursued least was oil exploration. Bob told him he was barking up the wrong tree and he listened to him. I am sure someone out there would have have come up with a guess about it being an old surveying technique from the pictures alone. And then you have the cans and the documents which show that CREPS had a contract in this area at the time. Maybe it seems more obvious in hindsight though. My guess was that the redditor who deleted his account was bored and spent way too much time creating a mystery

[@evajade8252]

Very true ! Really makes me wonder… there are so many things we don’t know 😉

[@krinklesofmadness]

@@krtierney this is a semantic point but an important one

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

One of the best videos I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for creating this content!

[@alunneborg]

You have done some great journalism in the last couple of months! Keep up the good work

[@tacoshark]

The fact that a simple Reddit question sparked a months-long journey into the Sahara is just amazing to me. This video is really a testament to the lengths Vox will go to to answer the most random but somehow interesting questions. Hats off to you and your team, this was amazing to watch.

[@forthehomies7043]

I hope the guy on Reddit sees this video.

[@GriseBlacolar]

@@forthehomies7043 People posted the link to this video on that thread so it's very likely that the guy saw it.

[@explorerofmind]

I love how no matter how seemingly inconsequential something seems, like old sardine cans, there’s always someone who thinks it is important enough to become an expert in it… and they often end up being right. The world needed an expert.

[@iamnotpaulavery]

Absolutely!

[@demottt]

@@connorlancaster7541 Haha, that's hilarious. ^^

[@averageday]

@@iamnotpaulavery yeah but knowing the sardine can collector was inconsequential. The simultaneous interview with the old guy solved the puzzle.

[@helicocktor]

This is like my third time watching this. It's probably one of Vox's best pieces. It's so mundane yet so intriguing. Being able to make something that oughta be boring so interesting is just top notch storytelling.

[@trje246]

*short on time?!?* - After exhausting various possibilities. A team was organised to go to the location... Skip to ~16:00 to the point.

[@mansoimanmansoi]

I’m a geophysicist, and it was amazing to learn about this small piece of geophysics history! Some points to add: - As mentioned in the video, geophysical surveys requires a ‘source’ to generate acoustic wave that travels down and bounce off rock layers underneath. - The ‘source’ used to be dynamite in the past, but have largely been replaced by ‘vibroseis’ trucks, which has a hammer-like thing on it that knocks on the ground to generate the acoustic wave. - However, some surveys still uses dynamite! I remember a survey done in the foothills of Hindu Kush mountain range in Pakistan that cannot be reached by vibroseis trucks, so dynamites were used instead. - 1950s/1960s are definitely early days for geophysical surveys, but larger surveys had certainly been done by then! The fact that the survey in the video is very far apart, I think is because it is a very early stage exploration, done just to see the rough geological structure underneath. If it had been promising they oil companies would have revisited the place and redo a denser survey. - The dynamites are usually buried deep, around 5 to 8 m underground, so yeah, it was a good thing that they stopped digging!

[@justinhenryhaynes]

But where were the dynamite sticks placed and where did the microphones go? Microphones at the center and dynamite on the outside?

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@justinhenryhaynes The sensors would be a good distance away, as the graphics show in the video. Straight down and then straight back up doesn't give you much discrimination, but measuring multiple waves that propagate down and sideways will give you the ability to triangulate and map the subsurface deposits. The center blast was probably a baseline acoustic wave to compare with the outer ring blasts. If you drew a straight line from the center and intersected one of the holes in the ring, then followed that line, you'd likely find a spot where they put sensors somewhere along the way.

[@KhoPhi]

@@Skinflaps_Meatslapper Good explanation

[@kingcosworth2643]

@@justinhenryhaynes The dynamite should all be used up, for seismic work you aren't required to move any soil with the blast, you are just applying a single acoustic pulse to the ground. this means the wiring that runs to the detonator and charge should not really be disturbed after firing.

[@JordanAngeline]

That guy who collects sardine cans is my kind of human, and I'm overjoyed that the singular passions of individuals can come together and create something so wonderful. Thanks for this, would love to see more!

[@wasir3703]

Dude....spoilers.

[@ririemarilyn]

and with his 'Expertise' help solve the mystery

[@BradSchmor]

I'll bet he was super-stoked that his expertise was finally needed.

[@siavashkhan9861]

@@wasir3703 Okay but why would someone go down to the comments before watching it? Lol.

[@jeil5676]

This was a great story and so well presented. It was thrilling and intriguing to watch even though it did not amount to some ancient discovery. I only wish I could find more content like this on youtube. I had to watch through to the end and in so many other instances I would have clicked away half way through. Great job.

[@writwordmclail3583]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen on KZbin. It felt like an old school explorer, diving into a mystery unknown. The differing opinions of the experts was fascinating, and the fact that the guy who helped cinch it all together was a man who just casually collects sardine cans is wild. I would love more of these sorts of videos!

[@JKatniss]

This is HANDS DOWN one of the best videos that Vox has ever made. Kudos to everyone who worked on it for doing such an excellent job. I'm studying French colonialism and will definitely be sending this incredible video to all of my professors.

[@believeinjesus6972]

Repent to Jesus Christ ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Ki

[@Ali-et9oz]

This video was so underwhelming. If you enjoy hearing stories that spin in loops I guess this might be your cup of tea.

[@theCosmicQueen]

without the French doing this from the start, Algeria would have never discovered this resource. They probably decided that they should take it over after it became valuable. So , taking the expensive work of others, which they did nothing to produce or to finance it.

[@theCosmicQueen]

@@Ali-et9oz true, and i knew from t he beginning, it was just outdated exploration, thus the modern exploration guy didn't know it was old style and denied that it was exploration. it was obvious.

[@ghext4189]

@@theCosmicQueen yeah, they should have asked specifically you before doing anything else! ._.

[@ddd4040]

I just cannot stop binge-watching this series, it is just incredible. The effort, the production quality, the presentation, the end result. Simply mind-blowing. Keep it going lads!

[@elliottmcpeek7443]

This is fantastic!! So much hard work and passion from everyone involved

[@--Paws--]

The collector who made a museum of sardine cans is really like a bow to tie all the clues together. Museums, archives and libraries are really important no matter how bizarre their collection holds.

[@bloubear2557]

Heroes you would not expect, in a field hidden on the ordinary.

[@purplegill10]

This is unbelievably true. So many connections to the past have been made through specific collectors who have a history that most overlook because it's, quite literally, one person's trash.

[@jpHouse]

I found it interesting, that in any other context, finding out about a man who made a museum about sardine cans I would say to myself "why? what for?" Then today, I've released the importance of anything and everything. Someone's hobby, someone's passion helped someone discover something amazing. Without passions, we have no knowledge. This is fracking awesome. (pun intended)

[@xcybercatz]

im thanking year 9 geography for allowing me to understand your pun

[@user-mv5tm8eu5z]

yes I felt this was a big takeaway !! may we all live out our niches

[@amylovemyart]

I totally would want to see sardine cans museum tho. Canned food has been in our history for a while now. The earliest canned food was invented around early 1800s. The cans represent the history of the food it contains/ed.

[@Cau_No]

And now we also now how the "frack" slur on BSG originated in their timeline …

[@akyena21]

Exactly 💯

[@MERCYLIFE]

I am genuinely impressed with the time, patience, precision, preparation and also the amount of respect you give each project… you don’t try to change the answer to fit your view but keep looking at all angles to get the most complete view possible… this is amazing and fun to watch… 🎉🎉🎉

[@Samzter1925]

This content deserves everything. Great work. Just wow. Makes you wonder how lucky we are to watch this almost for free 🙌

[@BeeyondIdeas]

This is the best documentary on KZbin I’ve seen so far. The plots, the drama and the final packaging are just flawless. Great job team Vox 🚀

[@Bergamot88]

You should checkout Jimmy at Bright Insight, it’s like this but without all the melodrama and over-production. Jimmy actually looks at ancient structures instead of whatever this anticlimactic nothingburger was

[@jerm_]

@@Bergamot88 no

[@HigoWapsico]

Come on now! Really? Don’t do that, that’s embarrassing, you’re a creator, that’s the best we can hope for? With their budget? It’s great, but you went too far, seriously

[@raymaster]

@@HigoWapsico finally someone with a brain..

[@Karlach_]

Watch Lemino or Internet historian for the best documentaries bro

[@deeaghantous]

This is an incredible effort Christophe, Stories and efforts like these is what brought me to Vox and all it's incredible Team's stories, thank you for taking us through this adventure.

[@nijmamaloufghantous3034]

👏

[@JW-oc7fx]

This guy is good, but an inferior Johnny harris lol

[@STRIKERBOY101]

Indian bot

[@MrShanester117]

You are obsequious

[@Feltsy]

Agreed! Keep producing videos like this Vox!

[@Yora21]

Having to mount an expedition to check out a spot on the ground halfway across the county made me appreciate how densely connected everything is here in Europe. Here you can just hop on a plane and rent a car and just drive up to any spot, and then return back home, and you can all do it in a long 3-day weekend.

[@zm_headhunter]

I live near algeirs I haven't been to dessert before nor I plan to go there but if I had to go there I can easily pickup a flight to ïn salah and rent a car there , I have no idea why they have gone all the way on road for me it's mad because the distance from here to that spot is like the distance from here to southern England, maybe the reason is to meet prof.farid as they did in ghardaïa but still he could have gone so easily by plane and join them there

[@Mr.Alexito]

This kept me on the screen every second of it .. very well done piece of work 🤙🏻

[@cadenbigler]

I clicked expecting a silly video about some patterns in the desert. I left with an awe and deep appreciation for comprehensive journalism. This was absolutely incredible!

[@danskins2722]

Same experience here. Well said 👏🏼

[@s_ame1135]

This journal is worthy of an international award for real. Its history would've been lost forever if not for the thorough research about it. Even Bob, the supposed leading expert in seismic survey doesn't know what a primitive work looks like.

[@Gunth0r]

It deserves some sort of award, I concur. Absolutely wonderful how this mystery ultimately ties into the history of Algeria, French colonialism and the Algerian independence through the micro-cosmos of sahel resource surveying. The collaboration and input from so many experts. The tenacity and thoroughness of both Vox and the Algerian field team. All of it, beautiful. Oh, and dynamite! Everyone loves dynamite!

[@susanc4622]

Not so primitive, exactly. 65-70 years ago. What it also shows, though, is that sitting at a desk staring at a screen can’t always give you answers.

[@Gunth0r]

@@susanc4622 Yep. The virtual is overrated.

[@MS-pz9wd]

@@Gunth0r what if... the entire universe is virtual?

[@Gunth0r]

@@MS-pz9wd if it is, then so am I, which makes its virtuality irrelevant to my experience of how real things are. And I'm talking about information technology, obviously.

[@arthurmorgan7729]

I want to end every email with “I don’t think we need to chat.”

[@SlinkyJosh]

This guy just took "going down an internet rabbit hole" to a whole nother level.

[@rotsu2108]

this was amazing to watch. seeing so many professionals and experts come together to help answer this seemingly simple question was fascinating to see. what an incredible thing to document, people working together.

[@oraharvey]

fesgsesehe

[@silverjeyjey4054]

Their editing is one of the best

[@misterasterisco5217]

Nobody seems to pay attention to the 420 repeated 3 times in the choice of the placement... this oil company must have been owned by Freemason, only they like to choose numbers that add up to 6 and preferable times 3 so they get 666.

[@avanthikasunkara3898]

AGGHHH THE PROFILE PICCC, I LOVE IT SO MUCHHH, YOTSUBA IS SO UNDERRATED

[@galmlrssg210]

Never realised so many experts can be wrong

[@IlDogeIslamico]

A youtube video, that is shorter than 30 minutes, made me feel emotions similar to watching a full scale film. To say your work is excellent is an understatement

[@danielk9316]

second video from your channel. from now on your channel is my definition of adventure.

[@johnpothala3449]

wow a real life mystery detective movie ..this is by far the top 3 most unique vids ive seen on youtube..truly amazing! thanks for spending the time searching and recording alllll this!

[@wikwhatiknow3540]

I never realized I'd be interested in random isolated circles and sardine cans. Amazing storytelling and what an interesting meet up of people from around the world.

[@UK.HOGTina]

Me neither lol

[@arp711]

Honestly, the most amazing thing about this video is learning that there is a person who not only collects sardine cans, but made a museum out of them.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Yeah it came full circle 🔵

[@khalilahd.]

Lol no but seriously

[@ehhdt.3909]

@@khalilahd. Not trying to sound creepy but, WE WATCH THE SAME VIDEO TF. I've seen you comment in the channels I watch.

[@adnan2072]

@@khalilahd. lol

[@williamrayburn5314]

Agreed, I laughed out loud at the idea that there is an 'expert' for just about any little segment of obscura out there.

[@rapeepunsmitamorn2924]

I found this channel today and I love it! Very educational and inspiring. Thank you so much ❤

[@jamesward2141]

The professor who so confidently told you these weren’t the result of seismic survey is concerning. Concerning that he was that closed minded and sure of him self…

[@cptobvius]

Exactly, I really judge Bob. He made a blanket statement with no wiggle room and no accounting for advancement of technology. Given his expertise in the field, I would take him largely at his word, as did the creator of this. We all make mistakes but the finality of his statement as well as an apparent lack of a mea culpa sort of bothers me.

[@oserapis4802]

As an Algerian doctor who works in Ain salah, I'm in awe of your investigation. this is better than a movie. I must thank you because you gave me a lost piece of my history and my culture.

[@ilyasbouzad]

💗🇩🇿

[@jacobtl7183]

Tysm ❤️

[@friendlycreature6375]

Ch7al fi 3mrk

[@oserapis4802]

@@friendlycreature6375 26

[@friendlycreature6375]

@@oserapis4802 Enhorabuena 👏🎉

[@iduunna]

Amazing story, amazing exploration. I would really love to see more details of the route and the explortion in Algeria as that is the true adventure here. Is Samir's footage available anywhere??? I am also sorry the experts that were there were not introduced with more than just their name, I am really curious about the crew, as to me they are the true heroes of that story :)

[@ColetteOConnor]

Fascinating! Truly love your process. Thoughtful, thorough, and riveting, you’ve answered a haunting question. Exploitation, being part of their name, and then dynamite! Such a dark turn. History exposed by the faintest of scars. Thank you all for going there. Do you ever wonder, after starting it all, what happened to Will K?

[@ticron]

Vox, it would make me so happy if you made this a series. Looking for anamolies on Google Earth is a passion of mine. This is one of the few times I have an answer. This video means a lot to me. Thank you so very much.

[@ohwhatever362]

I love this video, a series of such investigations would be amazing!

[@wall4325]

Yeah i think that would be cool

[@zukacs]

maybe you could list some other.?

[@lekettenkrad]

Seconded on all points. This scratched an itch so rarely scratched. Bravo team.

[@chiraag237]

You should email Vox next time you see anything weird on Google maps because I enjoyed this video and want more like this.

[@thespazticator]

A man whose hobby is collecting sardine cans provided a key piece of information for this investigation. I think that's awesome. I'm sure many people out there would say such a hobby is weird but it just goes to show even weird things are useful.

[@unduloid]

He collects the cans. I, on the other hand, collect the _sardines._

[@sam_maund3r]

It's mad how there's a specialist for literally everything

[@theplacedowntheroad]

@@sam_maund3r Finding them is the hard part.

[@sam_maund3r]

@@theplacedowntheroad yh trust. Like honestly a guy who collects french tuna tins 😅😅 how do u even look for that ahaha

[@friendlycreature6375]

@@sam_maund3r 😂😂😂 Never crossed my mind mate

[@consumed8924]

I've watched two of this producer's investigations, phenomenal job with the informational storytelling. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@billdoolinofficial]

You can never impress a BOB. Great video man ❣️ watched a full mistery unravel.

[@SirForwyn]

As an Algerian, with a bachelor degree in archaeology, this was absolutely fascinating to watch.

[@benladen4415]

Fr

[@donotaskmemyname3902]

@@benladen4415 Fr is for the slaves only.

[@Razan3bdullah]

تتوقع عندنا بالسعوديه زي كذا

[@sidaliamraoui5060]

@@Razan3bdullah ايه فيه

[@Razan3bdullah]

@@sidaliamraoui5060 وين تعرف

[@metacomet2066]

I'm amazed that not only is there an expert-in and collector-of sardine cans, but that you found him AND he was instrumental in putting together the pieces of this puzzle. What a journey! I've also spent many, many hours on Google Earth in the Sahara marveling at the cool stuff there is just lying around there. I want to go too!

[@lumoneko299]

I'd say the sardine can collector just made their search easier. The digging rights for oil is public data, and knowing that it's oil surveys meant t hat they can narrow down their search in public archives, it would take months maybe but they will eventually find it.

[@22trips22]

I’ve been there many times and it is definitely the most amazing and fascinating place I’ve ever been to.

[@someonenobody5582]

Gonna be hard... Algeria doesn't allow many tourists. I'm lucky to have dual citizenship in Canada & Algeria and even then, it took a while for me to be able to go back to my homeland

[@zakil25]

If you ever get the chance to come, you should visit the peak of Assekram, I warn you though, you may want to never leave that place.

[@khalidsyoung]

I collect thumbells from the past century and UK 🇬🇧 soup spoons. so if anyone needs my historic knowledge of tapestry and hand sewing lmk. I'll be glad to help.

[@jaygilliland3371]

this was so random for me but also one of the best documentaries ive ever seen

[@warlord6074]

Hard work pays off , sardine cans or answers to ur curiosity it definitely kept me hooked for 27 mins . Wanna see more of these mysterious marks and places in google map. Nice video.

[@TheGroovyGuitarDude]

This is an incredible journey for knowledge and adventure to accompany it. What an awesome video. Please make more like this!

[@kimochineina1]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@jaylerman7864]

Well observed! I concur!

[@41DegreesSouth]

+1

[@arwahsapi]

You could make song out of this

[@friendlycreature6375]

The job you guys did in Algeria left everyone amazed! But hey Christopher, the Algerian Sahara has so many mystery to uncover, why don't you do other works on it? There's the city of Sifar for instance. Or the devil star in Tinduf (that you can see through Google earth too).

[@mouatazboudaoud4328]

From someone living in the Algerian Sahara , this is one of the best reports and investigations I have ever seen in a while, well done 👏🏻.

[@miguelpimentel2911]

Awesome!!

[@ArghMatey]

AGREED! It was so thorough, intriguing, and visually stunning. Bravo!

[@ninelaivz4334]

Was the old guy speaking arabic or Berber?

[@FADHL0]

@@ninelaivz4334 Arabic, algerian dialect.

[@pinkfedoras]

what a really good doc! you got the best you can find in their fields for this document, and its such a good video.

[@SaVaGeGmYbEaR]

these videos are amazing bro. keep it up!

[@junaidahmad1492]

Bob seemed like a tough person to impress and you guys did it. Well done.

[@FlixTV]

Bob knew what those were...

[@pekemo]

Professor Bob from U-Texas was stuck in his thinking on how seismic surveys are conducted today and improperly refuted the initial theory. His curt dismissal of "no need to chat" displays classic academic haughtiness. A quick conversation might have brought up the question of how seismic surveys were done in years past.

[@khairulimran1269]

@@pekemo This changes me. I don't want to be like Bob when I'm old.

[@iamtheruraljuror9257]

Bob reminds me of the arrogant uni professors that i used to know.