11 Fascinating Mysteries of the Ancient World
The ancient world raises many questions about past civilizations including their lives, cultures, beliefs, and the tragedies they faced. Many believe the answers to these questions are hidden in the ruins left behind from their construction, ancient documents, and symbols. Some of these remains have sparked even more questions.
Explore these fascinating mysteries that are still left unsolved, but give us a great appreciation for the lives of ancient people.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza are a wonder of architecture and engineering. The precision of the structure astounds modern builders today, and the method of construction is still unknown. The structure has withstood harsh conditions for millennia which alludes to the skill of the ancient Egyptians.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge in England is another puzzle. The prehistoric monument’s stones weigh several tons and were transported from quarries miles away, but no one knows what this structure was for. Was it a temple? An astronomical calendar? Or a place for rituals and ceremonies? Archaeologists seem to think that it was used for astrological reasons as its alignment with solar movements during solstices is very accurate. Yet despite years of study and excavations, nobody can say for certain why it was built or what it was really used for.
The Lost City of Atlantis
The myth of Atlantis has taken hold for centuries. According to the philosopher Plato, Atlantis was a powerful, technology-oriented civilization that sunk into the sea after catastrophic events. Some think it was a story, some believe it may have been real, based perhaps on the eruption of the Thera volcano or the destruction of ancient civilizations. Some theories are still floating around about its location but all aren’t proven and the legend doesn’t cease to appeal to explorers and dreamers.
The Moai of Easter Island
Another ancient mystery is the Moai statues of Easter Island with their oversized heads and mysterious expressions. Who carved and transported these huge stone figures on this remote island? Experts believe the islanders used ropes and teamwork to ‘walk’ the statues upright across the island. Some say that the statues were representations of ancestors or deities. The fact that Easter Island is so isolated, and the islanders seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth due to resource depletion and overpopulation, just adds to the mystery of these stone giants.
The Fate of the Mayan Civilization
A thousand years before the 9th century, the Mayan civilization flourished in Central America and suddenly disappeared. Why did this highly advanced society, famous for its impressive architecture, mathematics, and writing system, suddenly decline? Archaeologists still don’t know. Theories include climate change, drought, and over-farming. Others blame internal warfare and political instability. The cause is uncertain, but the fall of the Maya is still one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
The Ancient Labyrinth of Crete
Another ancient mystery is the labyrinth in Crete so very greatly associated with King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur. There are no physical remains of the labyrinths but many scholars believe it was a huge, elaborate system of rooms and passages (possibly the palace of Knossos). It was said to have been designed to hold the terrifying Minotaur who was half man, half bull. Today, there is debate between researchers as to whether the labyrinth was a physical structure or symbolic.
The Writing System of the Indus Valley
The Writing System of the Indus Valley is one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. It flourished during the 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE period and was centered at an ancient Indus Valley civilization. Yet their writing system has not been deciphered. There are symbols on seals, pottery, and other artifacts that show that the Indus people had a fairly sophisticated script. Advanced in many ways, with well-planned cities, and sophisticated drainage systems, this ancient civilization’s culture remains a mystery.
The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are located in the deserts of southern Peru and date back to around 500 BCE. Drawings of animals, plants, and geometric shapes, that can only be fully appreciated from the air leave many questions for modern-day historians. Were they astronomical, religious, or part of ritualistic practices? These lines remain one of history’s greatest puzzles, and their purpose and method of creation are still puzzling to this day.
The Sinking of the RMS Titanic
The mystery of the sinking of the RMS Titanic is not an ancient one, but historians and others exploring the subject have been puzzled for over 100 years. The ship was ‘unsinkable,’ but in 1912 it struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage, and sank at sea with the loss of over 1,500 lives. Countless theories have been speculated including the possibility of human error, the fault of the materials, and even claims of a curse.
The Tomb of Genghis Khan
One of history’s biggest conquerors, Genghis Khan, is buried in a lost tomb. Many have searched for his final resting place to no avail. According to historical accounts, to prevent his tomb from being robbed it was hidden, but the precise location seems to have been forgotten over time. Some believe it is buried under a river or a mountain, making this Mongolian leader’s burial even more mysterious.
The Ancient Chinese Sandstone Machines
In the remote mountains of China, it is said that large pieces of sandstone resemble ancient machines or tools. Whether these are natural or an indication of some ancient advanced civilization is a debated topic among experts. These unusual formations remain one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world until now.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
