Archeological discoveries are what have allowed us to learn so much about ancient civilizations. We’ve been able to study their everyday lives and what they enjoyed for entertainment. However, there’s still a lot that remains unknown. Here are 17 archeological mysteries that remain unsolved.
The Antikythera Mechanism
This mechanism was discovered in Greece in 1900 and is considered to be the world’s first computer, but there are still many unanswered questions regarding it. For example, Scientific American writes, “The device appears to be a geared astronomical calculation machine of immense complexity. Today we have a reasonable grasp of some of its workings, but there are still unsolved mysteries.”
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx has been considered an important part of Egyptian culture but there have been many debates over its origins. These debates include how old the sphinx is and the identity of its face. After much studying, it’s thought the Great Sphinx could be older than once thought, due to how it’s eroded.
The Piri Reis Map
Dating all the way back to 1513, the Piri Reis map shows accurate drawings of Antarctica and the Americas. The accuracy of the map continues to mystify historians, with many wondering if the geographical knowledge from centuries ago was more advanced than we originally thought.
Göbekli Tepe
Located in the southeastern part of Turkey, this is considered to be the oldest temple in the world. It’s thought that the temple predates the start of agriculture and is known for its huge stone pillars. The purpose of the temple remains a mystery, with historians unsure whether it was a place of worship or used for community purposes.
The Sumerian King List
The Sumerian King List is an ancient text that mixes myth and history. The reason for this is that it lists rulers, and some have exceptionally long reigns. It raised many questions about what this list was actually created for and how accurate it is.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are huge geoglyphs that can only be seen by plane and the reason for them is still a mystery. According to TRT World, people have different opinions on what these lines were created for, with many thinking it could be astronomical reasons and others believing they were created as a way to ask gods for things, such as water.
Paracas Candelabra
This is another huge geoglyph that can be found in Peru. Its purpose is unknown, but some archeologists believe it could be a religious symbol or to help with navigation. The age of the Paracas Candelabra is still unknown, but it’s located close to the previously mentioned Nazca Lines.
Sacsayhuamán
This is thought to be an Inca fortress, as the stones are precisely fitted without any mortar. It shows just how advanced the ancient civilizations were, but the purpose of this fortress and how it was created still remain unknown. It’s even endured earthquakes, showing just how sturdy the fortress is.
Cleopatra’s Tomb
The final resting place of the most famous Egyptian queen is still to be discovered. It’s remained an archeological mystery for centuries, with many trying their hardest to discover it. Recently, Dr. Kathleen Martinez has made the most headway and claims it could be located near Alexandria, Egypt.
Voynich Manuscript
The Voynich Manuscript is a medieval manuscript that was discovered in 1912. It’s filled with an unknown script and illustrations, and historians are still trying to figure out what it means. Some suggest it could be a book on medicines or even a coded text. It’s been studied in depth, but there’s still been no conclusion to its meaning.
The Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a historic site in Laos where thousands of stone jars are scattered across the land. The original purpose of the jars and who created them still remain a mystery. The main reason for this is that the Vietnam War made research difficult, but many believe it could have been a graveyard where ashes were placed.
Puma Punku
Puma Punku is located in Bolivia and is known for its precisely cut stones, suggesting that the ancient world was far more advanced than we thought. The technology used to craft these stones still remains a mystery, as does how the Puma Punku was constructed.
The Giant Spheres of Costa Rica
These spheres were discovered in the 1930s and their sizes range from just a couple of centimeters to two meters. Everything about these stones still remains unsolved. This includes how ancient civilizations would have created perfectly round and smooth spheres, their purpose, and how they would’ve been transported.
Easter Island’s Moai
Head to Easter Island, and you’ll find over 1,000 large, humanlike statues. Their purpose and method of transport still remain a mystery to historians and it’s caused many debates. Some theories suggest they were representatives of dead ancestors, while others think they could’ve been powerful chiefs.
The Copper Scroll
The Copper Scroll is a part of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It’s a metal document that lists places for hidden treasure. It’s different from other texts, as this has been written on copper. It’s a treasure hunt where no one has been able to find the hidden treasure, and it still remains an unsolved mystery.
Stonehenge
This is a famous monument located in the south of England. The purpose of its construction still remains unknown, but there have been debates about whether it could have been used for astronomical or religious reasons. It aligns perfectly with the sun and moon, suggesting a strong knowledge of astronomy.
Ark of the Covenant
This is a sacred artifact in Judaism and is thought to have held the tablets of the Ten Commandments. We only know of the Ark’s existence because of the Bible, but its whereabouts still remain a mystery. Theories of its location range from Ethiopia to Jerusalem.
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