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ICYMI: Scientists recently announced that they’d discovered a massive underground city underneath the pyramids in Egypt. They claim it’s ten times larger than the pyramids themselves, and covers more than 6,500 feet. The Italian and Scottish archeologists have called their discovery “groundbreaking.” But not everyone believes them - and we’ll tell you why a little bit later.
In the meantime, if that sparked your curiosity and you love photos and facts about ancient history, you might be in for a treat. Bored Panda has compiled an epic list of posts shared by two Facebook pages dedicated to digging up intriguing stories from thousands of years ago. The Ancient History and Secrets of Ancient accounts have a combined following of tens of thousands of people. And a wall of intriguing pics and information that could keep you captivated for hours.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Lapis Lazuli Horse-Head Hilt Gleaming With Gold—this Khanjar Is No Ordinary Dagger. Likely Crafted During The Opulent Mughal Era, Its Curved Blade And Exquisite Detailing Mark It As Both Weapon And Artwork
CatD 8 months ago
I have a dagger like this, no inlay on the blade, but the hilt is a Repoussé lion head with panels on either side showing a leopard and lion fighting. Silver plated bronze. One of my prized possessions found at at a second hand knife and sword place at a Ren faire 30 years ago. It's stunning and I've never seen anything else like it.
RELATED:
#2
In 1938, An Astonishing Discovery Was Made In Ife, Nigeria, When 17 Brass And Copper Heads, Along With The Upper Half Of A Brass Figure, Were Unearthed During House Construction
Marten Zabel 8 months ago
Impressive realism on those. I imagine they are portraits of real people.
Roni Stone 8 months ago
They look like life masks. The detail is remarkable.
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superfluous 8 months ago
The heads date from 1300–1450. "It was initially assumed that these beautiful sculptures could not have been made in Africa by African artists. The life-like modeling was compared with the classical traditions of Ancient Greece and Rome. It was even suggested that these heads were evidence that Ife was the site of the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis as described by the Greek philosopher, Plato. The sculptures from Ife are now rightly seen as one of the highest achievements of African art and culture." https://smarthistory.org/ife-head-ruler/
Roxy222uk 8 months ago
Just to add, I doubt it was Africans that assumed that they couldn't have been made by Africans.
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BrunoVI 8 months ago
As an American, finding copper heads when you're building a home is always scary. (Copperheads are venomous pit vipers that give birth to live young like mammals and are ambush predators. I had to explain to many BPs that long grass in America means having copperheads, ticks with horrible diseases, and many other very bad things.)
Leesa DeAndrea 8 months ago
Every time I see an image online where people are sitting in grass in a field, I can't help but think about ticks full of disease getting on them.
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Catlady6000 8 months ago
The dots around te hairline and mouth, where hair was sewn on, maybe? The one on bottom right has lines on the face that could be traditional scarring or tattoo. And in the top photo, far right just above the one laying on its side, I went to school with guy
#3
This Impressive Crinoid Colony, A 4x5 Meter Specimen Dating Back Approximately 195 Million Years To The Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) Period, Was Discovered In Baden-Württemberg, Germany
PFD 8 months ago
I assume the "ancient civilizations" title will change at some point but for now I'm gonna assume Crinoid colony refers to an alien settlement
Bob Gorski 8 months ago
invertebrate fossil collection showcases a fascinating array of prehistoric life, from the depths of ancient seas to the shores of long-lost ecosystems. This selection features elegant crinoids, also known as “sea lilies,” including rare specimens from the famed Holzmaden Shale, where Jurassic waters once teemed with marine life. Also... Read More Country
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In March 2025, a group of scientists from Italy and Scotland announced that they’d made an incredible and groundbreaking discovery below the Great Pyramids of Giza... Hidden deep underground, they claim, is a sprawling city that stretches for more than 6,500 feet.
It’s apparently made up of 'vertical cylinders' 2,000 feet below the surface. They said there are five multi-level structures connected by passageways, above the eight vertical shafts. And, that there are even more unknown structures about 4,000 feet below the base of the pyramid.
#4
A 183-Million-Year-Old Plesiosaur Fossil Has Revealed An Astonishing Secret—Preserved Soft Tissue, Including Skin And Scales
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
So what could they tell about the color from the scales? I’m always wondering about the real colors of dinosaurs.
Catlady6000 8 months ago
I'm still hoping to hear that T-rexes had feathers and were basically giant, beakless chickens
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#5
Check Out This Awesome Falcon Sculpture That Shows Off The God Horus! It’s From Way Back In The 27th Dynasty, Around 525-404 Bc. This Piece Is Mainly Made From Lapis Lazuli And Gold, Plus It Has A Copper Leg And A Fancy Gilt Copper Headdress
superfluous 8 months ago
I tried to find out why only one leg and Google lens ai kept insisting the other one was there and hidden by the support and foot! Ugh, AI! I would guess the other leg was lost over time, but obviously I can't believe my eyes!
Tom Brincefield 8 months ago
It's on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. That image is flipped, it's the right leg missing. Probably to dodge copyright, since the picture belongs to the museum. No information on how the leg was lost, most likely gone when it was found.
Load More Replies... #6
Duntrune Castle, Located On The North Side Of Loch Crinan In Argyll, Scotland, Is Believed To Be One Of The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Castles In Scotland, With Origins Dating Back To The 12th Century
SaraCapybara 8 months ago
I was just thinking it looks like Bond's house from Skyfall.
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Colleen Glim 8 months ago (edited)
I was just thinking that’s gonna be a bugger to heat in winter
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Maples Dad 8 months ago
Very. Stone would likely not survive a power wash. Here in Edinburgh during the 90s there was a real power washing craze which took over the city but the Scott Monument would have collapsed had they continued with the jets.
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The scientists say there are 'spiral staircases' beneath the Khafre pyramid, as well as a limestone platform with two chambers and channels that look like pipes for an underground water system. Proof that the ancient Egyptians may have been even more advanced than previously thought?
In case you’re wondering, the team didn’t dig their way 2,000 feet into this intricate mystery city. Instead, they claim to have used radar and satellite imagery to detect and map it out. And that’s where things get really interesting…
#7
Built Between 2200 And 1500 Bc By The Ancient People Of Spain, The Motilla Del Azuer Stands As An Extraordinary Example Of Prehistoric Architecture
Sand Ers 8 months ago
I want to descend those steps down into the pit, and see what's down there.
primeline31 8 months ago
It looks very, very much like Opus 40 in Saugerties, NY. https://opus40.org/visiting/
DowntownStevieB 8 months ago
I wouldn't say "prehistoric." There were many substantial societies that long ago.
Kathy Brooke 8 months ago
Prehistoric technically means before they had writing. So Egyptian culture is not Prehistoric in 1000 bc, while some isolated tribes still are. It's not an insult or a comment on ability. But if the creators of this had writing, we'd know much more about it.
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#8
A Loaf Of Bread With A Stamped Imprint Found In Herculaneum And Dated Back To The First Century Ad, Bears The Name Of Its Baker
CatD 8 months ago
The found a lot of them. There's a Tasting History video on how to make them.
S R Godwin 8 months ago
That's what I call my home-made bread. Could start building a house with it....
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#9
This Is The Head Of Seuthes III, A Bronze Sculpture From Around 310–300 Bc, And It’s One Of The Most Stunning Examples Of Ancient Realism You’ll Ever See
Sergey Marinov 8 months ago
Thracian ruler of the Odrysian Kingdom. Current territory - Bulgaria. The sculpture is located in the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Odd. It must have fallen off the wagon on the way to the British Museum.
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"[The] groundbreaking study has redefined the boundaries of satellite data analysis and archaeological exploration," said Nicole Ciccolo, the research project's spokesperson, at a press briefing this month. Ciccolo added that the underground system included chamber-like structures interconnected below all three pyramids.
"The existence of vast chambers beneath the earth's surface, comparable in size to the pyramids themselves, have a remarkably strong correlation between the legendary Halls of Amenti," she revealed. "These new archaeological findings could redefine our understanding of the sacred topography of ancient Egypt, providing spatial coordinates for previously unknown and unexplored subterranean structures."
#10
Carved Between 4000 And 3000 Bc, This Ancient Petroglyph By The Ancestors Of Today’s Finnic Peoples Shows Something Surprisingly Familiar—What Looks Like An Early Version Of Reindeer Skiing!
Marten Zabel 8 months ago
That is a thing? I did that with our husky once, when I was a teenager but with reindeer... Gutsy.
Lady Eowyn 8 months ago
It's called skjoring. It's done with horses, too, there are even competitions.
Robert Benson 8 months ago
Maybe they had longer tails back then and evolved shorter tails to prevent this behavior? :p
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Cindy Brick 8 months ago
Ya mean -- that prehistoric civilizations were clever enough to figure out things like this? Really!?! (Yes, I'm being sarcastic.)
#11
This 1875 Photograph Captures The Ruins Of Mitla, One Of The Most Sacred Sites Of The Zapotec Civilization
Cindy Brick 8 months ago
A strong similarity to some African patterns, too, as well as Native American.
Arenite 8 months ago
The Zapotec were Native Americans. Are? Don’t know if the tribe survived Euro invasion
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#12
Dating Back To The 19th Dynasty During The Reign Of Ramesses II, This Exquisite Mummy Mask Serves As A Remarkable Testament To The Exceptional Craftsmanship Of Ancient Egypt
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago (edited)
Off topic. But the more I look at ancient Egyptian faces, the more I think of Michael Jackson. Was this the look he was after?
Catlady6000 8 months ago
I think he was trying to look as different from his father as possible
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While this all left some people's jaws on the floor, the announcement was quickly rubbished by a few other scientists who have called BS on the discovery. Leading Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass is one of those who have labeled the find as "fake news."
In a Facebook post, he wrote: "I would like to make a statement regarding the news that was published all over the world by a group of amateurs. The news was under the pyramid of Khafre at Giza they found a platform topped with pillars."
#13
An Exemplary Manifestation Of Ancient Craftsmanship Is The Giant Griffin Of Persepolis, Located In Iran, Which Dates Back To The Period Between 516 And 465 Bc
G A 8 months ago
I think that's more the broken halves of the beak doing that.
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Joshua David 8 months ago
Reminds me of the exorcist statue. Maybe not but it made the thought come to mind.
Karen Klinck Klinck 8 months ago
I'm surprised ISIS hasn't blown *that* up yet. They're out to obliterate any history that isn't 'correct'.
Peter Kovak 8 months ago
In Iran...that means that I, as Israeli, will never get a chance to see it in situ.
#14
This Golden Bronze Breastplate From The 3rd Century Bc Looks Like Something Straight Out Of A Myth
superfluous 8 months ago
The face on the breastplate is believed to represent Minerva or a Punic equivalent. Currently, it is housed at the Bardo National Museum in Tunisia.
Kathi Coyle 8 months ago
One photo is of the back, the other is the front
Load More Replies... S R Godwin 8 months ago
Could this have been made for a woman? Breast plate looks like it has room....
#15
Standing Tall In Rome's Piazza Colonna, The Column Of Marcus Aurelius And Faustina Is A Breathtaking Tribute To The Past, Erected Around 180 Ad By Emperor Commodus To Celebrate His Revered Parents
ohjojo (you/your's) 8 months ago
amazing. I'm sure that there are books on the story and thesis as well. and certainly leaving me curious
Sand Ers 8 months ago
Picture of the entire monument, with people for scale: IMG_3051-6...1-jpeg.jpg 
"All this information is completely wrong and has absolutely no scientific basis," continued the expert. "In addition, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity did not give permission to any individuals or institutions to work inside or outside the second pyramid."
Hawass laid into the Italian and Scottish researchers, falling just short of calling them liars. He also questioned HOW the scientists claimed they’d come across the sprawling city, adding that radar could not have been used inside the pyramid.
"These people who announced this wrong information, they used techniques that are not approved nor validated, the details announced would never have been seen by using this technique," wrote Hawass.
#16
The Ingá Stone, Or Pedra Do Ingá, Is An Archaeological Wonder That Sits Proudly By The Ingá River In Brazil’s Paraíba State
285q6dgq6d 8 months ago
There’s a theory that it was used to keep track of seasons and constellations, but I was reading that it faces vandals regularly.
#17
The Statues Of The King's Trinity, Discovered In 1908 In Egypt's King's Valley, Exemplify The Remarkable Preservation Of Ancient Artistry
Margaret H 8 months ago
And how long will they last now that they have been exposed to the air? Will they be demolished as so many priceless ancient artifacts were in Iraq if someone decides they are heretical?
tresgatos72 8 months ago
If the pharaoh pictured is Menkaure, why was this found in the Valley of the Kings? Didn't Menkaure have the 3rd (smallest) pyramid at Giza? 🤔
#18
Chasmosaurus Was A Large Plant-Eating Dinosaur That Lived Around 75 To 72 Million Years Ago During The Late Cretaceous Period. It Was Part Of A Group Of Dinosaurs Called Ceratopsians, Which Were Known For Their Distinctive Frills And Horns On Their Heads
Mimi M 8 months ago
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/jurassicworld-evolution/images/5/5f/JWEChasmosaurus.png/revision/latest?cb=20190419224406
superfluous 8 months ago
Found in and around Canada. "It had a wide body structure shaped like a barrel. The reptile was around 26 feet in length, weighing about 3.5 tons, and possessed a short tail. The legs of the reptile were rather short with five toes on each foot." https://www.extinctanimals.org/chasmosaurus.htm
S R Godwin 8 months ago
Canada could do with a few of these on their side in the war against Trump.
Load More Replies... Hawass was not the only one to take a dig at the research team. Professor Lawrence Conyers is a radar expert at the University of Denver. He focuses on archaeology and said that the technology used in the "discovery" couldn't penetrate the ground in the way that they claim.
Conyers called their findings a "huge exaggeration." As per the Daily Mail, he "suggested that it is conceivable small structures, such as shafts and chambers, may exist beneath the pyramids, having been there before the pyramids were built, because the site was 'special to ancient people.'"
#19
A Mummy So Perfectly Preserved That No Technology Can Restore It Once Unwrapped—this Is The Enigma Of "Bashiri." Found In 1919 By Howard Carter In The Valley Of The Kings, Its Linen Bindings Hold Secrets That Modern Science Cannot Replicate
Apachebathmat 8 months ago (edited)
If you go anywhere in this world, please visit Luxor! It’s just awe inspiring Edit: actually go everywhere! Respect each place but see the world, life is short and the world is massive, enjoy its beauty
Grm Moore 8 months ago
Before the advent of X-ray and computed tomography (CT) technology, researchers used to unwrap mummies to study them, causing untold amounts of damage. Now with this technology, researchers can peer under the dressings without damaging anything and respect the dead. The "mystery" was the wrappings were different and he was unknown. Not anything special about technique. Now its been scanned and the "mystery" uncovered.
Barbara Wilcock 8 months ago
Go to Egypt yes. But please travel in groups. Its not safe to be alone
Khall Khall 8 months ago
The idea that they had things modern science can't replicate is always sus. There are lost techniques and knowledge but the idea that they did something better than we could if we wanted to is often a lead in to ancient aliens and other racist nonsense.
#20
In 1985, French Diver Henri Cosquer Made A Breathtaking Discovery Beneath The Waters Of The Calanques Near Marseille—A Hidden Prehistoric Cave, Now Known As Cosquer Cave. Accessible Only Through A Narrow Passage 121 Feet (37 Meters) Below Sea Level, This Ancient Sanctuary Holds Nearly 500 Artworks Dating Back To 27,000–19,000 Years Ago
CariBear 8 months ago
There's another famous cave in France that has stunning cave art. Watch Cave of Forgotten Dreams. It's amazing what we are still finding after all this time
st4x2gt974 8 months ago
I’ve been there and it’s truly incredible! The south of France is well worth a visit although I know I’m staying the obvious.
#21
Dive Into The Enigmatic World Of The Shatial Glyphs, Situated In Pakistan's Indus Valley—a Staggering 62-Mile Canvas Of Ancient Petroglyphs Etched Into History Along The Legendary Karakoram Highway In Gilgit-Baltistan
CatD 8 months ago
Right? They mark a crossroads of ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road. More than 1000 inscriptions and 700 petroglyphs are found at the Shatial bridge on the Indus River. Iranian merchants left over 550 inscriptions dating from the 3rd-7th centuries in Sogdian language.
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judy correllus 8 months ago
"there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy"
Kathy Sinclair 8 months ago
I lived in Pakistan for five years and I've never heard of this either, and we were on the Karakoram many times.
Despite their critics, the research team is standing its ground. They believe there is "an entire hidden world of many structures" yet to be discovered. "When we magnify the images [in the future], we will reveal that beneath it lies what can only be described as a true underground city," read an Italian statement from them translated into English.
#22
The Helmet Of Skanderbeg, Crowned With A Gilded Goat’s Head, Blurs The Line Between War Gear And Royal Icon
Auntriarch 8 months ago (edited)
Do I have to choose? I really fancy both
Load More Replies... Kathy Sinclair 8 months ago
Thank you, CatD, for adding info that BP leaves me wondering about.
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#23
Deep Beneath The Azure Waves Of The Mediterranean, A Team Of Intrepid Archaeologists Has Unearthed The Mesmerizing Sunken Temple Of Aphrodite Within The Ghostly Remnants Of Thonis-Heracleion
#24
The Exquisite 2nd Century B.C. Mosaic Of Dionysus, Housed At The Archaeological Museum Of Ancient Corinth, Greece, Stands As A Remarkable Testament To The Skill And Artistry Of Its Creators
Lila Allen 8 months ago
Right?!?! He just looks vaguely annoyed at being forced to be present
Load More Replies... tresgatos72 8 months ago
Except for the fave in the middle, this reminds me of a badass patchwork quilt.
#25
Quinta Da Regaleira, An Enigmatic Estate Located In Portugal, Features The Remarkable Initiation Well, Which Descends Nine Stories Into The Ground And Concludes In A Concealed Chamber
Marten Zabel 8 months ago
The truth is even better. It's a tunnel system. Leading to a waterfall and another well. The place is so on my bucket list.
Sylvia Weiss 8 months ago
When you are in sintra (close to Lissabon), there are even more magical places...
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Khall Khall 8 months ago
"a concealed chamber" with a 9 story deep hole over it...someone missed the memo on what concealed means.
#26
Discover The Remarkable 3,300-Year-Old Sandals That Belonged To Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Unearthed From His Tomb, These Sandals Represent More Than Just Conventional Footwear; They Are Exquisitely Designed Pieces That Exemplify The Artistry Of Ancient Egypt
StrangeOne 8 months ago
Craftsmanship was mastered back then. These sandals look better than the ones I had for a day until the strap snapped.
superfluous 8 months ago (edited)
Sandals made for the rich vs the many. There's a reason handmade for a specific individual costs so much, it takes time. Edited to correct spelling
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Lee Gilliland 8 months ago
It was customary to put the images of enemies on sandals so they could be trampled upon.
S R Godwin 8 months ago
Sounds better than a punch bag. Sneaky way of letting off steam.
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Mary Kelly 8 months ago
there were large number of sandals found in his tomb, many like these were not intended to be worn on earth..were made of materials that could not be used on earth
Kaedyn Walsh 8 months ago
Is it wrong that I'd love to slip them onto my own feet and take a few steps knowing the last person who wore and walked with them on was Tut himself? That would be the most awe inspiring, mind blowing and amazing experience ever. My toes and feet right where his toes and feet were. I own a ring from circa 129 ad and the first time I wore it, I got the same chills knowing the owner all those centuries ago had worn it probably daily and that our fingers touched the same item while being alive so far apart from each other. Really sobers ones mind, and it's so gorgeous.
Maples Dad 8 months ago
Didn't he have different sized club feet due to his health anomalies? These likely weren't eorn as they would bend.
Load More Replies... st4x2gt974 8 months ago
Notice the reliefs of the Nubians on the soles - Nubians, or modern day Sudanese were enemies of Egypt and these symbolized him “trampling his enemies”.
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
Me too! That thick cord between the toes?!! Ouchy. I hope theses are only ceremonial for he passage to the afterlife. Walking around in them would be painful.
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The Roman Legionary Shield, Referred To As A Scutum, Is A Significant Artifact Dating Back To The 3rd Century Ad And Stands As The Only Complete Example Of Its Kind Ever Uncovered
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
I've seen tens of thousands of these depicted in tv and videos. It's great to see an actual one.
#28
Bastet, The Egyptian Goddess With Serious Range, Shows Up Here In Full Bronze Glory—Rocking Gold Earrings, Holding A Sistrum, And Rocking A Lioness-Headed Aegis
#29
Tombstone On The Back Of A Turtle, 219-316 Ad. The Practice Of Using Turtles As Tomb Markers, Was A Unique Custom In Ancient China
CatD 8 months ago
In ancient China, tombstones were sometimes placed on turtles because turtles symbolized longevity and were considered auspicious creatures. Placing a tombstone on a turtle, sometimes referred to as a Bixi, conveyed that the person was virtuous and their spirit could live forever.
#30
The Oldest Known Plough In The World - The Lavagnone Plough -Comes From An Early Bronze Age Pile Dwelling On A Former Part Of A Lake Garda (Now A Drained Peat Bog At The Southern End Of Lake). Dating Back To Ca. 2200 To 1600 Bc
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 8 months ago
The Plow and Ox Harness were two of the most world changing inventions ever.
#31
Archaeologists Have Unveiled A Newly Discovered Residence In Pompeii, Known As The House Of Phaedra. This Small Yet Exquisitely Decorated Home Was Uncovered During Excavations Along Via Dell’abbondanza And Showcases An Array Of Stunning Frescoes
superfluous 8 months ago
Amazing that it wasn't all treasure hunted when it was rediscovered in the 18th century and that they are still finding things today.
I’ve Seen Things 8 months ago
Huge amounts of the site are still buried as it is basically encased in volcanic concrete. That certainly helps to preserve objects and artwork, but it also helps protect it from looting (to a point). Originally there were buildings all over the site, and that is how a lot of the archaeology was originally discovered - from people excavating a new basement or room. Things popped up on the black market and they were traced back to owners who had discovered them buried in their basement. Eventually, the authorities stepped in and resumed the houses to excavate the town. Herculaneum is also spectacular as multi-storey buildings were buried under the volcanic mud so it held up the buildings that it entered. (Pompeii was buried under pumice and ash so when it rained, it set like cement) ~ Source, me, an archaeologist who just got back from the site.
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Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Amazing when you think that this descended into the art of the Middle Ages.
#32
The Dresden Codex, A Magnificent Artifact Born From The Brilliance Of The Maya Civilization Around The 11th Or 12th Century Ad, Stands As One Of The Most Significant Pre-Columbian Documents To Survive The Ravages Of Time
Marten Zabel 8 months ago
While I love this artifact, I cannot for the life of me blame just "time" for the loss of Maya writings.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
You’re right. The Spanish destroyed all they could find
Load More Replies... Sand Ers 8 months ago
And hoarded. They've got a vast collection of artifacts and documents which are hidden away, and cannot be studied
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tresgatos72 8 months ago
Fr. Diego de Landa of Spain is to blame for most the Maya and Aztec books being destroyed. Curse him.😡
#33
Scale Replica Of The Fossils Of A Giant Snake That Lived 65 Millions Years Ago. 48 Feet, 2,500 Pounds. Titanaboa
#34
Believed To Be At Least 2,800 Years Old, This Bull Sculpture Is Attributed To The Sumerian Civilization Of The Ancient Near East
#35
In The Desert Of Sudan Lies The Ancient City Of Meroë, Home To Over 200 Pyramids Built By The Kingdom Of Kush, Yet Their Full Purpose Remains A Mystery
Marten Zabel 8 months ago
Yeah, their "full purpose" is likely the same as with other pyramids of the era and area: Grave sites. Most of them are known for who was interred in it.
Christophe Beunens 8 months ago
In 1830, somebody dynamited about 40 of these pyramids, looking for treasure. He found gold, but destroyed the real treasure : the pyramids themselves.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 8 months ago
They look like mausoleums to me. Robbed millenia ago make the most sense to me.
#36
This Roman Copper Infantry Helmet, Dating To Around 250 Ce, Remains Remarkably Well Preserved
superfluous 8 months ago
The critter depicted on the Roman infantry helmet, dating back to around 250 CE, is a pair of mice climbing towards what are believed to be loaves of bread. This helmet, also known as the Guttmann Mouse Helmet, belonged to a soldier named Julius Mansuetus, as inscribed on the neck guard. The helmet is of the Weisenau/Niedermörmter type and is made of an iron dome with copper-alloy adjuncts. It is considered one of the finest examples of its kind and was even on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 2018 to 2022. The mice and bread motif is an unusual and enigmatic design element, which has baffled experts. The helmet sold for over $1.2 million at auction on January 3o, 2024.
Penny Fan 8 months ago
Could be referring to a regimental nickname, like the Cheesemongers. An humourous incident involving a mouse and the quartermaster?
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Ell Bee 8 months ago
Or a convenient way for the enemy to yank them off their feet.
Load More Replies... #37
The Sennacherib Prism, Also Known As The Taylor Prism, Is A Celebrated Ancient Assyrian Artifact That Sheds Light On The Reign Of King Sennacherib, Who Ruled The Neo-Assyrian Empire From 705 To 681 Bc
285q6dgq6d 8 months ago
He’s mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 18, when he invades Israel, as well as Isaiah 36 & 37. Remnants of his palace have also been found.
hardrad2009 8 months ago
And what is written on this prism heavily contradicts the Bible.
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#38
Found In 1867 In The Tomb Of A Roman Nobleman Near Speyer, Germany, This 1.5-Liter Bottle, Now Housed In The Historical Museum Of The Palatinate, Holds What Was Once Roman Wine From 325 Ad
MargyB 8 months ago
The glass guy on Antiques Roadshow once used a syringe to take out some wine from about 1830 (?) and tasted it. It turned out not to be wine but contents of a witch bottle. Old nails, maybe urine, hair, nail clippings. Buried under a hearth to keep the witches away, ewwww!
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#39
Behold The Astonishing Artifacts Of The Mayan Civilization, Where The Enigmatic Figure Of Pakal Comes To Life. The Lower Piece Captivatingly Illustrates Him Clad In A Feathered Serpent Suit, Seemingly Piloting A Mysterious Flying Machine
Mark Trombley 8 months ago
Looks like a flounder to me. Or perhaps a ray.
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Liz Butt 8 months ago (edited)
These are absolutely amazing. Really makes you wonder about ancient civilisations and how much more advanced that they were to where we are now. I mean, the top one looks like he's on a flying machine of some sort and the bottom one definitely looks like he's on a jet ski as someone else commented. I remember watching Chariot of the Gods. Some really interesting stuff.
person (i think) 8 months ago
Fun fact: upper picture predicts scenes from the film “Dr Strangelove”
#40
The Clacton Spear Point Is Regarded As One Of The Oldest Known Spears In Existence, With An Estimated Age Of Approximately 400,000 Years. It Is Believed To Have Been Fashioned By Neanderthals In What Is Now Recognized As England
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
It always gives me a little sense of relief to know that if I were ever somehow stranded in a forest I could do a lot of damage, and survive, just by using pointy sticks.
#41
Unveiling The Magnificence Of Roman Mosaics In Salakta: The Lion Of The 3rd Century Ce
#42
A 5,000-Year-Old Dagger Carved Entirely From Rock Crystal—unearthed Near Seville In 2007—has Captivated Archaeologists With Its Craftsmanship And Mystery
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
How strong would it be though? When I think of Crystal I think one good jab and that’s it. Maybe rock Crystal is more hardy? It was definitely pretty though. But I think I’d prefer a Steele weapon. Oh yes, and the teeth are a lovely addition. If I were a warrior I’d keep the teeth for sure. How else will anyone know to fear me.
KittyMommy 8 months ago
I wonder if it would be more like an obsidian knife? You can't stab with them. Only slice or saw something. Obsidian makes knives that are sharper than scalpels but the edge flakes off quickly
Load More Replies... #43
You’re Looking At The Back Of A Throne From Over 2,700 Years Ago—Crafted During The Early Iron Age (725–701 Bc) And Discovered In A Tomb In Verucchio, Italy. This Impressive Wooden Structure Belonged To The Villanovan Culture, Which Thrived Between 900 And 700 Bc
#44
Nestled In The Heart Of India, The Kailasa Temple At Ellora Stands As A Breathtaking Testament To The Brilliance Of Ancient Rock-Cut Architecture, Hewn From A Single, Colossal Rock Over 1,300 Years Ago
#45
Imagine Uncovering A Treasure From The Depths Of Time, A Relic Dating Back Around 3,600 Years. These Mycenaean Bronze Daggers, Discovered In The Picturesque Landscapes Of Greece, Are More Than Mere Weapons; They Are Masterpieces Of Craftsmanship
#46
Originating From The 3rd Century Bc, This Alabaster Statuette Unearthed At The Necropolis Of Hillah In Proximity To Babylon, Iraq, Is Believed To Depict The Goddess Ishtar/Inanna
Chewie Baron 8 months ago
This is what annoys me about Christianity. All the Ancient religions and civilisations held women in almost equal esteem. They had Goddesses of War, Hunting, Knowledge, Power etc. along comes Christianity and all that is swept away.
Load More Replies... #47
Feast Your Eyes On This Stunning Baptismal Basin, A Relic Of A Time Long Past—Over 1,500 Years Old—Nestled Within The Ancient Roman Ruins Of The Basilica Of St. Vitale In Sbeitla, Tunisia
Uncle Panda 8 months ago
Do they have to periodically have to replace the holy water? Or does it clean on its own?
#48
Situated On The Steep Slopes Of The Sarawat Mountains In Saudi Arabia, This Remarkable Medieval Stone Apiary Dates Back To Approximately 1200 Ad
#49
This Towering Structure Is The Monumental Entrance, Or Pylon, Of The Temple Of Edfu, Built Over 2,200 Years Ago During The Ptolemaic Period (237–57 Bce)
#50
The Operational Roman Lead Pipes Located In Bath, England, Constructed During The 1st To 2nd Century Ce, Exemplify The Advanced Engineering Capabilities Of Roman Civilization
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
Honestly. If I were using a bowl to poop in. With no sanitation. I might welcome being conquered by some people who provided basic sanitation and running water.
#51
Dating To Around 900 Bc, This Colossal Olmec Head Embodies The Enigmatic Legacy Of One Of Mesoamerica’s Earliest Civilizations
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
You’ve seen a bunch of people without noses in Mexico?
Load More Replies... Uncle Panda 8 months ago
Xalapa Mx has a really nice Olmec sculpture museum with many large ones like this guy.
#52
The Tarawasi Archaeological Complex, Situated In Peru, Showcases Exceptional Stonework Linked To The Inca Civilization
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
I’m so mad we went and killed off all these great cultures bc we wanted gold and slaves. We’re such idiots. We could’ve learned so much.
superfluous 8 months ago
I cannot think of the Incans without this popping into my head: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B1hVgaHp3Es (Horrible Histories 'Do the Pachacuti')
#53
The Thermopolium In Ancient Rome Served As A Venue For Hot Meals And Beverages, Similar To Today’s Fast Food Outlets Or Diners
Angela Corvaia 8 months ago
Most people didn’t have kitchens so eating off the streets was the norm
#54
The Quffa, A Round Boat, Has Been A Key Mode Of River Transportation In The Middle East For Thousands Of Years
Debby Keir 8 months ago
See Welsh coracles. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Ftechnology%2Fcoracle&psig=AOvVaw1tqlFohhyaRQdWCVkrAdGv&ust=1743092681090000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCJCT6baUqIwDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
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#55
The Pyramid Of Unas, Constructed Approximately 4,300 Years Ago At Saqqara, Represents A Significant Architectural Achievement From Egypt’s Old Kingdom Period
#56
A Ribbon Of 7,000 Holes Etched Into Peru’s Nazca Desert Has Left Archaeologists Both Mesmerized And Mystified. Measuring Over Half A Mile Long And 65 Feet Wide, This Astonishing Formation Is Believed To Have Been Created By The Nazca Culture Between 100 Bc And 800 Ad
#57
A Golden Bust Of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Originating From The Period Of The Roman Empire's Expansion Around 15 Bc, Was Uncovered In 1939
#58
Aztec Tecpatl Obsidian Knives, A True Testament To The Artistry Of Ancient Craftsmanship!
#59
This Historical Photograph, Captured Approximately In 1870, Provides An Exceptional Representation Of The Karnak Temple Complex, Which Is Recognized As One Of Egypt's Most Significant Ancient Architectural Sites
#60
The Ancient Roman Slave Collar Presented Here Is A Significant And Sobering Artifact, Featuring A Tag Inscribed With The Words, I Have Fled, Seize Me And Return Me To Zoninus For 1 Gold Coin
#61
Dayahatyn, An Ancient Settlement Near The Modern Village Of The Same Name In Armenia, Holds Significant Archaeological Value. The Site Features Remnants Of Bronze Age Structures, Hinting At Its Historical Importance As A Hub For Trade And Craftsmanship
#62
Breathtaking Aerial View, Which Vividly Captures The Staggering Magnitude Of The Legendary Unfinished Obelisk In Aswan, Egypt
Uncle Panda 8 months ago
There was a smaller obelisk that had been prepped but not shipped. If you knocked on it with your knuckles, it made a crystalline sound.
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
I’ve never gotten obelisks- giant p***s’s with decorations. Was this how we proved how tall we could build something before skyscrapers? Why are they in so many civilizations?
Uncle Panda 8 months ago
The root of the word 'altar' means 'high place.'
Load More Replies... #63
Behold The Stunning Wall Relief Of An Apkallu, A Striking Artifact Hailing From The Reign Of Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 Bc), That Once Stood Sentinel At The Entrance To The King's Private Quarters In Nimrud
Uncle Panda 8 months ago
The text says, "And if you can get four people to buy in, you get the level one goat!"
#64
The Pyramid Of Kukulcan, Which Some Folks Also Call Quetzalcoatl In Mayan, Is A Real Gem Located Right In The Yucatan Peninsula, A Major Hub Of The Mayan Civilization
#65
The Agadir Of Amtoudi, An Exemplary Fortified Granary Constructed By The Amazigh People, Has Remained Intact In The Mountainous Region Of Morocco For Over 800 Years
#66
This Gold Serpent Bracelet From 1st-Century Rome Is Seriously Eye-Catching—Literally. With Green Glass Eyes And Twin Snake Heads Meeting Face-To-Face, It’s Got That Perfect Mix Of Fierce And Fancy
#67
Turns Out, Göbekli Tepe Might Not Be The Oldest Game In Town. Boncuklu Tarla, Found About 185 Miles (Nearly 300 Km) Away, Could Be Almost 1,000 Years Older—dating Back A Staggering 12,000 Years
#68
Engüzek Castle, Situated Prominently Above The Valleys Of Erzincan Province In Turkey, Is An Ancient Fortress That Remains Shrouded In Mystery
#69
Over 4,300 Years Ago, This Scribe Carefully Recorded Information That Shaped The Daily Workings Of Ancient Egypt. This Detailed Relief, Found In The Mastaba Of Akhethotep At Saqqara, Dates Back To The 5th Dynasty (C. 2494–2345 Bce) And Captures The Importance Of Scribes In Egyptian Society
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
What an uncomfortable position they had to sit in. Get the man a chair and an easel or something. .
#70
Step Back In Time To The Theater Of Epidaurus In Greece, A Stunning Marvel Built Over 2,300 Years Ago That Could Hold An Impressive 14,000 Spectators!
Uncle Panda 8 months ago (edited)
It was funded almost entirely by Concessionarius with an eye to future food and beverage sales.
#71
The Masroor Temples, Believed To Have Been Constructed Over 5,000 Years Ago By Bhima, Represent A Significant Achievement In Ancient Rock-Cut Architecture
#72
This Clovis Point Is Seriously Old—Like 13,000 Years Old. Made From Chert And Shaped With Careful Pressure Flaking, It’s Got That Classic Flute Near The Base That Sets Clovis Tools Apart
#73
Tataouine, A Town Located In Tunisia, Is Renowned For Its Historical Medina Quarters, Featuring Architecture That Dates Back To The 15th Century
Swoo 8 months ago
It was used as reference and filming location for 'Tatouine' in Star Wars
Load More Replies... #74
That Crown, The Coiled Serpent Body, And The Kalasha In Hand—it’s Nagaraj, Radiating Both Power And Poise. Sculpted With Stunning Detail, This Ancient Piece Blends Human Form With Serpent Grace, A Recurring Symbol In Indian Mythology
#75
This Image Exemplifies The Architectural And Astronomical Significance Of The Hatshepsut Temple Located In Luxor, Egypt, As The Sunlight Aligns With The Temple's Central Ramp During Dawn
Lady Eowyn 8 months ago
A lot of ancient structures were built to align with various astronomical events.
superfluous 8 months ago
Sunlight? You mean that glow through the haze? I would like to see it with actual sunlight.
#76
Discovered In 1963 At The Base Of The Pyramid Of The Sun In Teotihuacan, The 'Disk Of Death' Dates Back Over 1,500 Years And Is A Remarkable Artifact That Continues To Intrigue
#77
African Moors Were Known For Their Exceptional Architecture And Engineering Skills, And They Built Numerous Impressive Structures, Such As Universities And Mosques In Spain, Which Still Stand To This Day
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
Until the Spanish decided anything that wasn’t Catholic deserved to be destroyed. Leaders can be jerks sometimes.
#78
Small Roman Solid Silver Amulet Of A Grotesque Head With Exaggerated Features, 1st-2nd Century Ad
#79
Archaeologists Working At The Ancient Roman City Of Pompeii Have Unearthed A Fresco Depicting The Greek Mythological Siblings Phrixus And Helle
#80
This Intricately Decorated Wooden Coffin, Originally Designed For An Individual Identified As Ruru, Was Subsequently Repurposed For The Preservation Of A Male Mummy
#81
Discovered In 2001, This Magnificent Statue Of Hapy Dates Back To The 2nd Century Bc And Once Greeted Visitors At The Threshold Of The Amun-Gereb Temple In The Fabled City Of Thonis-Heracleion
#82
Take A Good Look At The Jaw-Dropping Size Of The Stones At The Osireion In Egypt. This Monumental Structure, Dating Back To The 19th Dynasty Of The New Kingdom (Around 1290-1224 Bc), Is A Glaring Testament To Megalithic Architecture
#83
The Notable False Door Is Located Within The Tomb Of Kegemni At The Saqqara Necropolis In Egypt
#84
At The Ancient Ramses II Temple In Abydos, Located In Southern Egypt, Archaeologists Have Uncovered A Remarkable Discovery—over 2,000 Mummified Ram Heads From The Ptolemaic Era
#85
Dating Back To 7600 Bc, The Engraved Cylinder Seals—Just 0.8 To 1.2 Inches (2 To 3 Cm) Wide—Played A Crucial Role In Early Civilization. Used In Mesopotamia And Susa, They Were Rolled Over Wet Clay To Create Unique Impressions, Serving As Signatures, Storytelling Devices, And Identity Markers
#86
Steeped In History Since The 13th Century Bce, The Megalithic Stone Walls Of Ancient Krani In Kefalonia, Greece, Stand As A Testament To Mycenaean Ingenuity
Forrest Hobbs 8 months ago
What we call the Mycenaean civilisation was geographically in what we now call mainland Greece. Mycenae was just one place in the culture. What they thought of themselves collectively, I don't know - but they did speak Greek and did live in Greece. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenaean_Greece
Load More Replies... #87
Unearthed In 2018 Amidst The Rugged Terrain Of Maharashtra, India, A Captivating Collection Of Ancient Rock Carvings Has Emerged, Thought To Trace Back To A Staggering 10,000 Bc
#88
In This Striking Scene From Ancient Egyptian Mythology, The Gods Of Creation And Knowledge Unite To Defeat The Lord Of Chaos. Depictions Like This, Often Found In The Book Of The Dead Or Temple Carvings, Symbolize The Eternal Struggle Between Order (Ma’at) And Chaos (Isfet)
#89
Unearthed In 2015 In The Picturesque Region Of Van, Eastern Turkey, The Remarkable Pithos Tombs Date Back An Astonishing 2,800 Years To The Ancient Kingdom Of Urartu
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What do you think ?
superfluous 8 months ago
I thought these were so much less over dramatic than the normal captions! It was totally bearable!
Load More Replies... Marten Zabel 8 months ago
I liked this one. Enough to comment multiple times (which I rarely do!).
Paul Sloan 8 months ago
It’s sad that we have to weed through the celebrity worship to get to an article that is really interesting.
Panda McPandaface 8 months ago
"But the modern world has come so far!" - Yup we've got as far as a banana duct taped to a wall. Good for us eh?
Karen Klinck Klinck 8 months ago
On the underground city--Zahi Hawass will downplay *any* discovery that is not his, so I take his declaring everything fake with a boxcar sized grain of salt!
Charlotte A. 8 months ago
I guess the title will change, but "civilization" implies human culture (or alien if you believe in that) but not fossils from millions of years ago... (Not that I mind fossils... I just like correct terminology as well)
superfluous 8 months ago
I thought these were so much less over dramatic than the normal captions! It was totally bearable!
Load More Replies... Marten Zabel 8 months ago
I liked this one. Enough to comment multiple times (which I rarely do!).
Paul Sloan 8 months ago
It’s sad that we have to weed through the celebrity worship to get to an article that is really interesting.
Panda McPandaface 8 months ago
"But the modern world has come so far!" - Yup we've got as far as a banana duct taped to a wall. Good for us eh?
Karen Klinck Klinck 8 months ago
On the underground city--Zahi Hawass will downplay *any* discovery that is not his, so I take his declaring everything fake with a boxcar sized grain of salt!
Charlotte A. 8 months ago
I guess the title will change, but "civilization" implies human culture (or alien if you believe in that) but not fossils from millions of years ago... (Not that I mind fossils... I just like correct terminology as well)
You May Like Egyptology Enthusiasts Online Think These Are The 50 Most Interesting Facts About Ancient Egypt 40 Fascinating Facts About Ancient Egypt To Dig Through If You Dig Archeology, You Might Love These 50 Fascinating Finds From Around The World
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