origins — the beginning or start of something

collapsed — fell down suddenly

straight away — immediately, without waiting

came across — discovered something by accident

lead — a type of heavy grey metal

historical figure — a real and important person from the past

looking into — investigating or studying something carefully

numerous — very many, a large number of

carrying out — doing or completing a task

descendant — a person who is related to someone from the past, for example a grandchild or great-grandchild