1. The Bosham head
In a secluded region of Southern England, a behemoth stone head weighing a staggering 350 pounds emerged, mystifying both the local inhabitants and the scientific community for a span of two centuries.
Situated in the quaint Bosham village, not far from Chichester, this stone enigma, nearly devoid of defining features, was a monumental visage measuring approximately twice the dimensions of a typical human cranium. Numerous experts embarked on investigative endeavors to unveil the true identity of the figure it was modeled after, albeit without success.
Who’s that statue?
Tasked with this archaeological conundrum, Professors Miles Russell and Harry Manley from Bournemouth University—specializing in prehistoric and Roman archaeology and applied sciences, respectively—employed advanced 3D laser scanning technology in their attempt to decode the mystery. This cutting-edge procedure furnished them with the crucial insights they needed.
As it turned out, the grandiose head was a fragment of an even grander statue representing the Roman Emperor Trajan, which once stood sentinel over an ancient harbor.
2. Easter Island heads
Easter Island, situated in the Pacific, has long been renowned for its iconic stone heads, which stand as testament to the remarkable sculpting prowess of the Rapa Nui civilization.
These monolithic marvels, believed to have been crafted between the periods of 1,100 and 1,500 CE, have captivated the imaginations of explorers and scholars alike. Yet, a startling revelation lay in wait, as contemporary archaeologists discerned that these iconic figures held a concealed secret beneath the earth’s surface.
Revealing their secret
A contemporary group of dedicated researchers, during their exploratory ventures on Easter Island, made the groundbreaking realization that these famed heads were merely the tips of a larger iceberg—they were surmounted atop intricate statues that also boasted detailed torsos.
As the millennia passed, accumulating sediment and rock encased these statues, leaving only their heads exposed to the world above. Post excavation, these once partially buried monoliths now majestically rise to heights nearing 30 feet.
3. Chilean whale graveyard
Nestled within the arid expanses of Chile’s Atacama Desert, a perplexing mass grave of prehistoric whales has been a subject of intrigue for many a decade.
After tireless investigations, researchers eventually attributed this marine graveyard to a cataclysmic event triggered by excessive algal proliferation approximately 20,000 years ago. These seemingly benign microorganisms inadvertently induced a marine apocalypse.
Geologic cause
The rapid proliferation of these algae blooms, in their quest for sustenance, severely depleted the aquatic oxygen levels, leading to the unfortunate asphyxiation of the whales. But the riddle of their desert-bound resting place, perched 130 feet above the contemporary sea level, was unraveled by geology.
The relentless tectonic pressures exerted by the convergence of the Nazca, Antarctic, and South American plates inadvertently elevated this marine burial ground, offering a unique glimpse into Earth’s dynamic past.
4. Early Greek computer
The mysterious Antikythera mechanism, unveiled from the confines of a deteriorated Greek vessel by sponge divers in the 20th century’s early years, posed a significant conundrum for historians and archaeologists.
Preliminary hypotheses postulated its utility as a navigational apparatus, yet the sheer complexity of its design, marked by an intricate assembly of gears and cryptic inscriptions, hinted at a purpose far more profound.
Antikythera mechanism
As investigations evolved, it became evident that this ancient marvel was an instrument wielded by the Greeks to astutely track and predict the trajectories of celestial entities. Fast forward to 2021, when a comprehensive digital recreation of the Antikythera mechanism was realized, unveiling its intricate design in all its glory.
This astonishing device, in its operational prime, possessed seven meticulously crafted hands, each representing one of seven celestial wonders: the sun, moon, and the planets Mercury through Saturn.
5. Lost Thebans
In the historical year of 524 B.C.E., an enraged King Cambyses II of Persia dispatched a formidable force of 50,000 Theban warriors across arid terrains, intending to wage war against Ethiopia.
The root of his fury stemmed from the defiant priests at the Oasis of Siwa, who audaciously denied his asserted dominion over Egypt. Yet, fate had different plans, as his vast military contingent never reached their intended destination.
Cause of death
History narrates the enigmatic vanishing of the Theban contingent subsequent to their encampment at the El-Kharga oasis. Insights from a recently unearthed document elucidated their tragic fate—while en route to their ultimate objective, they were engulfed by a massive, relentless sandstorm.
This cataclysmic event, immortalized by the words of the ancient Greek scholar Herodotus, recounts: “A deadly southerly gale arose, ushering in colossal sand columns, which enveloped the entire army, erasing their existence from the annals of time.”
6. Goodbye grave
The tragic tale of King Richard III, whose demise on the battlefield is a matter of historical significance, resonates with many. Upon his death, the people of Leicester, England, in a move perhaps aimed at dispelling any doubts, chose to showcase his lifeless body for public scrutiny. For three whole days, the corpse of the once mighty king was laid bare, only to find its final resting place in an inconspicuous dirt pit by an adjacent church.
As years turned into decades and then centuries, the tumultuous tide of religious conflicts saw multiple sects obliterate each other’s sacred sites in a bid to assert supremacy.
The disappearance of Richard III
Amid the chaotic aftermath of such religious upheavals, the specific location of King Richard’s grave became a lost chapter in history. Gossip mills buzzed with tales, one particularly sinister one suggesting an enraged mob had dumped the monarch’s remains in a river. However, rather than succumbing to these urban legends, scholars from Leicester University embarked on a mission to rediscover the lost monarch.
Their relentless search culminated beneath an unassuming contemporary parking structure, where DNA analysis subsequently authenticated that King Richard III had indeed been interred beneath what is now the Leicester Cathedral.
7. Moving rocks
Picture yourself traversing the scorching landscapes of Death Valley when, to your astonishment, you witness hefty rocks seemingly inching their way across sandy expanses.
Before you dismiss this as a mirage birthed by the relentless heat, understand that this bizarre spectacle is genuinely occurring. Despite their substantial weight, these geological wonders, without any external intervention, are on a gradual journey across the desert.
Non-magical solution
While it’s tempting to attribute the movement of these rocks to some mystical force, especially given that no human has ever observed their motion firsthand, there exists a logical scientific explanation.
Referred to as “sailing stones,” these boulders occasionally find themselves enveloped in sheets of ice as nighttime temperatures plummet. As dawn breaks, forceful desert winds thrust these icy behemoths, facilitating their glacial sojourn across the Racetrack Playa.
8. Florida’s black sinkhole
The depths of the Aucilla River, close to Tallahassee, Florida, concealed an eerie black sinkhole, so menacing that even seasoned divers hesitated to delve into its abyss.
However, Professor Jessi Halligan from Florida State University dared to confront this watery enigma, resolved to unearth its secrets, irrespective of the spine-chilling tales associated with it. Her foray into the submerged void turned out to be an archaeological revelation.
Deep inside
Deep within the obsidian embrace of the sinkhole, researchers stumbled upon colossal mastodon tusks. Intriguingly, these ancient relics bore distinctive marks, unmistakably inflicted by primitive human tools.
This astounding discovery insinuated that ancient societies inhabited this region far earlier than previously hypothesized, with evidence pointing to a human presence close to the river approximately 14,500 years in the past.
9. Egyptian helicopter
The Temple of Seti in Abydos, with its notorious “helicopter” engraving, provided ample fodder for conspiracy theorists. Many fervently believed that the Egyptians, in an uncanny act of foresight, had etched an image resembling a modern-day helicopter on the temple’s stone walls.
Adjacent to this puzzling depiction was an equally cryptic inscription that read, “He who repulses the nine enemies of Egypt.” Such mystique begged the question: what could it possibly signify?
Layered image
While these engravings eerily mirror contemporary machinery, their origin story is less fantastical. Whenever Egypt welcomed a new pharaoh, it was customary to refurbish existing temple imagery to resonate with their reign.
Over successive eras, the original illustrations began to erode, inadvertently morphing into shapes and designs that bore no relation to their original intent.
10. The disappearance of the Nazca
The Nazca, a once-thriving civilization that graced the coastal valleys of southern Peru, mysteriously vanished approximately 1,500 years ago. This enigmatic culture bequeathed to the world the Nazca Lines, vast terrestrial drawings, which for many epitomize their legacy.
Initial scientific theories conjectured that unpredictable El Niño-induced climatic deviations might have precipitated their downfall, but further insights revealed a more intricate narrative.
True culprit
In their quest to cultivate fertile lands, the Nazca denizens cleared vast tracts of vegetation. Such actions inadvertently disrupted the region’s ecological equilibrium. Indigenous flora, exemplified by the huarango tree, played a pivotal role in maintaining soil vitality.
With their disappearance, El Niño’s wrath manifested as catastrophic river flooding, decimating the Nazcan agricultural fields. This calamity triggered societal disintegration. However, the riddle of their most iconic creations, the Nazca Lines, remains a subject of intense debate and fascination.
11. Nazca Lines
The expansive Nazca Desert is home to the enigmatic geoglyphs, whose origins and purpose remain shrouded in mystery. The Nazca civilization, though advanced, leaves us pondering about their motivation to create such grand designs that can only be fully appreciated from the sky.
While the alien enthusiasts rush to ascribe these intricate patterns to extraterrestrial beings, many believe that these monumental designs might have been offerings or symbols for the divine. Even as various theories emerge and alien conspiracies continue to fascinate, the recent strides in archaeology have begun to offer tantalizing clues, providing insight into other such ancient enigmas.
12. Stonehenge was moved
Stonehenge, with its majestic stone monoliths standing tall against the backdrop of England’s verdant landscape, is an archaeological marvel that has long captured global imagination. Erected between 3000 and 1520 B.C., this prehistoric monument, despite being a focus of myriad studies, holds secrets yet to be unraveled.
Contrary to popular belief that we’ve already tapped into all of Stonehenge’s mysteries, there are layers of its past still waiting to be peeled back and understood.
Stones in Wales
A groundbreaking revelation from 2021 added a captivating twist to Stonehenge’s tale. This new research posits that the inner ring of stones originally stood a staggering 175 miles away from its present site on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.
These stones, it’s believed, first graced the landscapes of Wales, erected close to their quarries. Astonishingly, they might have graced that location for four centuries before being transported to their now-famous location around 3,000 years ago.
13. Arty Neanderthals
2021 saw another fascinating archaeological revelation, this time from Germany’s Harz Mountains. Inside the aptly named Unicorn Cave, a carved knuckle bone, likely from a deer, was discovered.
What makes this find even more intriguing is the carved chevron pattern on it, a handiwork not of our species but of another hominid.
The birth of culture
Breaking away from conventional thought, this artifact was crafted by a Neanderthal, challenging our long-held beliefs that pictured them as unintelligent, lumbering beings. Radiocarbon dating confirmed this bone’s age to be approximately 51,000 years, predating Homo sapiens’ arrival in that region by a millennium.
Thomas Terberger, speaking to National Geographic, eloquently remarked, “It’s the inception of culture, the dawn of abstract thought, and truly, the genesis of art.”
14. World’s oldest jewelry
Another significant find from 2021 emerged from the Bizmoune Cave in south-west Morocco. Archaeologists discovered a trove of 33 shells from two distinct sea snail species.
Beyond their antiquity, dating back an astounding 150,000 years, these weren’t mere remnants but artifacts transformed by human creativity.
Beads
Crafted meticulously into beads, these diminutive shells, measuring just half an inch, potentially represent the world’s ancient jewelry. Professor Steven L. Kuhn from the University of Arizona provided insight, noting,
“[These beads] likely held significance in showcasing identity, perhaps adorned on clothing.” The traces on these shells hint at them possibly being strung together or affixed onto garments.
15. Ancient Vikings in Newfoundland
It’s widely accepted that the intrepid Vikings made their mark on Newfoundland several centuries ago. However, a 2021 discovery pushed the boundaries of this knowledge,
suggesting that the Norse seafarers set foot on North American shores far earlier than previously believed. Innovative techniques analyzing ancient tree rings paved the way for this revelation.
L’Anse aux Meadows lumberjacking
New findings point towards a group of Vikings, likely originating from Greenland, making landfall at the L’Anse aux Meadows site in Newfoundland in 1021. Their stay wasn’t fleeting.
These audacious Norse navigators not only explored but also chopped down juniper and fir trees in the region. It is the remnants of these very trees that have now bestowed upon us this precise insight into their journey.
16. World’s oldest brewery?
In a discovery that might resonate with many, archaeologists unveiled what might be the world’s most ancient brewery, tracing its roots back to Egypt around 5,000 years ago.
Situated in a desert region, a considerable distance south of Cairo, this wasn’t some rudimentary setup. This extensive brewery, unearthed near a royal burial site, stands testament to humanity’s age-old affinity for brewing.
Ritual purpose
Deep in the heart of ancient Egypt, a grand brewery was discovered, grander than one might imagine for its age. Housing an impressive 40 sizable ceramic pots, this brewery was an architectural feat capable of churning out a colossal 5,900 gallons of beer in a single batch.
Interestingly, this wasn’t just beer for casual consumption; as per a statement from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Matthew Adams from New York University posited that this brewery’s location was strategic, intended primarily to supply beer for the royal rituals associated with the funerals of Egyptian pharaohs.
17. Saxon gold
A stunning revelation spanning over three decades surfaced in 2021, right from the green heartlands of what was once the Kingdom of East Anglia in England. An individual, cherishing his anonymity, stumbled upon a staggering 131 Anglo-Saxon gold coins with his metal detector on his very land.
This place of discovery, intriguingly enough, sits in close proximity to the famed Sutton Hoo, an archaeological site that inspired the narrative for the 2021 film, “The Dig.”
Frankish coins
This remarkable cache wasn’t merely restricted to gold coins from the Anglo-Saxon era; it also comprised Frankish coins dating back almost 1,500 years, along with Roman currency and ornate pieces of jewelry. Gareth William from the British Museum, in his statement on Artnet, proclaimed the discovery’s magnitude, asserting it as the most significant coin hoard from that period.
He further emphasized how this find holds the potential to revolutionize our comprehension of the economic dynamics during early Anglo-Saxon England.
18. Oldest-known human home
The unforgiving terrains of South Africa’s Kalahari Desert were the backdrop for an unparalleled archaeological discovery at the Wonderwerk Cave, aptly translated as the “miracle” Cave.
This site revealed artifacts indicating ancient human habitation. And the timeline for this habitation was mind-bogglingly ancient. According to Professor Ron Shear from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, this site’s significance is unparalleled in its revelations.
Oldowan stone tools
Delving deeper, Professor Shaar illuminated that the artifacts in the Wonderwerk Cave are Oldowan stone tools, crafted by our human ancestors approximately 1.8 million years ago. Such rudimentary tools, created by the earliest humans, have previously been found to be as ancient as 2.6 million years.
However, the wonder of Wonderwerk Cave is that it’s the first instance where such ancient tools have been discovered within a sheltered environment, which can metaphorically be dubbed as “home.”
19. Cat cemetery
The ancient Egyptians, renowned for their architectural marvels, also had a tender side, especially when it came to their cherished feline companions. In the sandy expanses near the port city of Berenice, a touching revelation emerged: a pet cemetery dating back almost 2,000 years to the 1st century A.D.
This ancient resting place held nearly 600 graves, with cats being the predominant inhabitants, although a handful of dogs and macaque monkeys also found their final resting place here.
Ancient Egyptians loved their pets
These animals weren’t just haphazardly buried. Each one was meticulously laid to rest, positioned as if they were in a deep slumber. Some even wore ornate necklaces crafted from glass, shell, or stone beads.
Emphasizing the care these animals received during their lifetime, Archaeozoologist Marta Osypinska reported that some animals showcased limited mobility signs, suggesting they were specially cared for and fed, evident from the almost toothless beings.
20. Surprising size of Angkor Wat
The sprawling expanse of Angkor Wat in present-day Cambodia has been an archaeological enigma for years. While it has been extensively studied, fresh research in 2021 shed new light on this majestic city built in the 12th century.
Employing advanced aerial scanning technology and cutting-edge mapping tools, a study spearheaded by the University of British Columbia and featured in the journal Science Advances, unveiled new facets of this ancient marvel.
Much bigger than London
For the first time ever, these high-tech tools enabled archaeologists to accurately estimate Angkor Wat’s population. The numbers were staggering: this city might have been bustling with close to 900,000 inhabitants during the 13th century.
While these figures might seem ordinary when juxtaposed with today’s urban sprawls, one must consider that, in comparison, London in the 1300s, the UK’s premier city, had a mere population of approximately 80,000.
21. A tiny book
Buffy Bailey, an English nurse with a penchant for metal detecting, was on a leisurely hiking trip with her husband, Ian, near the historical city of York. Their cherished metal detector always accompanied them on such expeditions.
On one particular day in 2021, the device emitted a fervent beep, prompting them to excavate the spot. The treasures they unearthed that day were beyond their wildest expectations, leaving them in sheer amazement.
A queen’s trinket
Unearthed from the very fabric of the land was a delicate and minuscule book, a spectacle to the eyes of those who discovered it. This wasn’t just any ordinary book; it was meticulously crafted from lustrous gold, showcasing the artistry of its time.
Dated back to the 15th century, the artifact’s presence near estates that once belonged to Richard III adds a layer of mystery. Speculation is rife, suggesting this golden marvel might have been a possession of his queen, Anne Neville, making it not just a historical but potentially a royal relic.
22. Google Maps archaeology
In the digital age, archaeologists have found an unexpected ally in Google Maps. In a remarkable announcement made in 2021, researchers shared how they tapped into this modern resource to make an astonishing discovery.
Hovering over the satellite images of India’s arid Thar Desert, they identified a gigantic geoglyph, akin to the renowned Nazca Lines of Peru. These geoglyphs are intricate designs etched onto the vast surface of the Earth, with origins and purposes that often remain shrouded in mystery.
Spirals and snakes
The intricate designs carved into the Thar Desert are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Spanning over 30 miles and adorning an expansive area of 51 acres, this geoglyph stands out as the largest single design of its kind ever discovered. Delving into the specifics, these lines are approximately 4 inches deep and stretch up to 10 inches in width, portraying elegant spirals and serpentine patterns.
While researchers estimate these lines could date back two centuries, their true purpose remains an enigma, further deepening the intrigue surrounding them.
23. A Maryland stockade
For nearly a century, the fervent quest to locate a pivotal archaeological site consumed the passion and time of many. The subject of this relentless search?
A foundational part of early America’s tale, tracing back to Maryland in 1634, which hosted a stockade indicative of the state’s earliest European settlers.
Lost until 2021
Fast forward to the present, the long-sought St. Mary’s Fort in southern Maryland has finally been unveiled. The advent of ground-penetrating radar technology played a pivotal role, unearthing the contours of this near-four-century-old fortification.
This initial European foothold, which was forsaken in the 1690s, remained an elusive enigma until its re-emergence in 2021.
24. New Dead Sea Scroll
For six prolonged decades, no new fragment of the revered Dead Sea Scrolls had been uncovered. These scrolls stand testament to ancient Jewish history, offering unparalleled insights into early Judaism and the Hebrew Bible.
Therefore, the discovery of a fresh scroll segment in 2021 was nothing short of a monumental occasion for both archaeologists and historians.
Qumran Caves
The stage for this discovery was set at the Qumran Caves, nestled along the Dead Sea’s shores. The challenges of this endeavor were myriad, necessitating a daring 200-foot descent down a sheer cliff to gain access.
Narrating the taxing nature of their expedition to The New York Times, Israel Hasson from the Israel Antiquities Authority spoke of enduring stifling dust and laborious excavations, all of which were justified by the invaluable artifacts they returned with.
25. A lost city
Recognizing the gravity of a recent find, Professor Betsy Bryan, a distinguished Egyptologist from Johns Hopkins University, equated its significance to discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The focus of her acclaim was the ancient city of Luxor, an Egyptian gem hidden beneath desert sands for countless generations.
Ancient-Egyptian Pompeii
Lending credibility and age to the site, archaeologists uncovered the seal of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, the grandfather of the celebrated Tutankhamun. This marker dates the Luxor excavation site to roughly 3,500 years in the past.
As the dig at Luxor progresses, numerous exceptional artifacts have been unveiled, with experts like Peter Lacovara from the Ancient Egyptian Heritage and Archaeology Fund likening it to an “ancient-Egyptian Pompeii.”