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Ancient -

The legend of the fountain of youth has been around for centuries. References to these mythical waters can be found all around the world.

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Powerful -

Legend has it that these waters have magical properties that can rejuvenate those who consume or bathe in it. The old become young again!

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Format -

Throughout history, the 'fountain' has been depicted in many different ways. These include springs, waterfalls, wells, and pools.

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Water -

The characteristics of the water also vary, depending on the story. It goes from floral-scented to mineral-rich waters with a sulfuric aroma. The same goes for temperature.

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Art -

Throughout history, the fountain of youth has been depicted by artists. The 'Plaque with the Fountain of Youth' ca. 1320–40 by a French artist is an example.

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Art -

Another example is the famous 1546 painting by Lucas Cranach called 'The Fountain of Youth.'

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Macrobians -

The earliest reference to a fountain of youth dates back to 425 BCE. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote of Persians visiting the Macrobians in Africa (likely ancient Ethiopians or Somalis), whose king lived until he was 120 years old.

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Macrobians -

The king led the Persians "to a fountain, wherein when they had washed, they found their flesh all glossy and sleek [...] and a scent came from the spring like that of violets," wrote Herodotus.

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Fake letter -

In 1165, a forged "Letter of Prester John" reached Europe. It was reportedly sent by a Christian African king to the leader of the Byzantine Empire talking about this land and the fountain of youth. The news spread.

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Later exploration -

Inspired by this story, many explorations followed, namely by the Portuguese, but when they reached East Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries by boat, there was no sign of said magical fountain.

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Alexander the Great -

'The Alexander Romance' was first published around 338 CE. The book depicts the life of King Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great.

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River of youth -

The book tells of his quest to find a river that would restore his youth. Alexander eventually found a river he believed flowed from the Garden of Eden.

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River of youth -

The story goes that his men hunted birds and fish for dinner, but when they cleaned the animals in the river, they were brought back to life!

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Japan -

A Japanese fairy tale called 'The Fountain of Youth' collected by writer Lafcadio Hearn in 1898 has more of a cautionary tone. The story goes that the woman who found the fountain of youth drank so much water that it took her "into the period of speechless infancy."

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Japan -

Another fountain of youth story dates back to the 8th century. The son of a sick man wished for sake for his father. Then the water in Yoro Waterfall turned into sake and the old man miraculously recovered!

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India -

A travel memoir by an unknown author called 'The Travels of Sir John Mandeville' also mentioned a fountain of youth.

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India -

The memoir, dated between 1357 and 1371, mentions its existence in a land in Polombe, which is believed to be modern-day Kollam, India.

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Juan Ponce de León -

Possibly the most popular fountain of youth story dates back to the 16th century. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was on a mission to find these magical waters.

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Florida -

The governor of Puerto Rico is said to not have found the location of the fountain of youth in Bimini (Bahamas), but in Florida instead. Though this is not formally mentioned anywhere.

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The myth was born -

It was not until 14 years after Ponce de León's death that court chronicler Gonzalo Fernando Oviedo y Valdé portrayed Ponce de León as an old man looking for the magical fountain in his 1535 book. Though reportedly they were enemies and the story was crafted in an attempt to discredit his late rival.

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"History" book -

In 1596, chief historian of the Indies, Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, wrote that Ponce de León "had an account of the wealth of this island (Bimini) and especially that singular Fountain that the Indians spoke of, that turned men from old men into boys."

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Bimini -

South Bimini in the Bahamas is a popular fountain of youth tourist destination. There is reference to Ponce de León, but no valid evidence, as expected.

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Bimini -

As if there weren't enough dubious accounts of the story, Italian historian Peter Martyr of Angleria described "an island called by us Boinca, and by others Aganeo; it is celebrated for a spring whose waters restore youth to old men."

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Location -

The location was described by Peter Martyr of Angleria as somewhere around the Gulf of Honduras.

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Tourist attraction -

St. Augustine, Florida, is home to one of the most famous fountain of youth tourist attractions. This postcard dates back to 1942.

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St. Augustine, Florida -

The town is where you'll find the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. In 1934, the Smithsonian Institute undertook an archaeological dig in the area and unearthed evidence of a Spanish mission dating back to 1565.

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Juan Ponce de León -

The Spanish conquistador is celebrated in St. Augustine with a statue.

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St. Augustine -

The picturesque town center with Flagler College in the background and a fountain.

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Real fountains of youth -

There are some places around the world where people have more longevity. One of these so-called "Blue Zones" is the island of Okinawa, Japan. Though a fountain of youth is yet to be discovered there, or anywhere else.

Sources: (Grunge)

See also: Peculiar ways to become immortal

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