Deserts number some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. But these hot, arid regions have not deterred numerous explorers from setting out to discover
the remains of ancient civilizations or document unknown cultures.
Venturing into a desert is not without its hazards. But for a select number of intrepid 19th- and 20th-century explorers, the prospect of searing heat, lack of water, and traveling through vast expanses of sandblown wilderness were challenges to be overcome as they sought to map areas never before seen by Westerners.
In this gallery, we chart the progress made by pioneering travelers and highlight the discoveries they made along the way. Read on for more.