The past holds many secrets. We just need to know where to dig. The Facebook page ‘Archaeology World’ is an excellent source for everyone interested in what the ancient Greek architects, 18th-century Inuits, and other fascinating peoples have left behind.
There’s no particular order to its posts, but that’s a good thing. You can never predict what place or period the next featured discovery will come from. Like a course on global heritage, but without any lectures or exams. Only brief “presentations” on what shaped our history. So, join us and let’s scroll through the page’s most intriguing entries.
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#1 The Thracian Chariot
Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Bulgaria, archaeologists have made a startling find: a beautifully crafted wooden chariot dating back two millennia, adorned with vivid imagery from Thracian mythology. This incredible artifact provides a fascinating insight into the burial practices and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Thracian civilization that once flourished in this area.
Discovered in the grave of a significant Thracian noble from the 1st century AD, the chariot exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of its time. It features four robust wheels, each measuring around 4 feet in diameter, decorated with intricately crafted, silver-plated figures of the god Eros and mythical, panther-like beasts.
In addition to the chariot, the remains of two horses and a dog were found, believed to have been interred to assist the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. This tradition was a crucial element of Thracian burial rituals, underscoring their deep conviction in existence beyond death.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#2 The Fairy Fireplaces Of Cappadocia, Turkey
The fairy fireplaces of Cappadocia, Turkey, are a sight that seems to have been carved by magical hands. These rock formations, formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion over centuries, transform the terrain into a surreal landscape that combines natural art and geology. These stone towers, some as high as 40 feet, are crowned by layers of harder rock that make them look like giant mushrooms or magical fireplaces. In addition to their beauty, the ancient caves carved into these formations served as shelters for past civilizations
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#3 The Double Statue Of Mephistopheles And Margarita
Perhaps one of the most incredible sculptures in the world. There is a well-known sculpture called “The Double Statue of Mephistopheles and Margarita”. The fact is that on one side of the statue there is a male figure, and on the other – a female one. The sculpture is created from a single piece of the oldest sycamore tree.
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#4 Trilobite Fossil Slab, Likely From Morocco
Trilobite fossil slab, likely from Morocco — these marine arthropods thrived during the Paleozoic Era, roughly 520 to 250 million years ago. The slab shown here preserves several individuals, possibly from the Devonian period, beautifully detailed with segmented exoskeletons and sweeping spines.
Trilobites lived on ancient sea floors, and their fossilized remains are often found in limestone and shale formed from compacted seabed sediments. The preservation quality seen here suggests rapid burial in an anoxic environment, halting decay and allowing mineralization to retain even delicate appendages.
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#5 Colossal Persian Griffin (516–465 Bc), Persepolis, Iran
The term “Griffin” has linguistic roots in Old French griffon, derived from the Late Latin gryphus, a misrendering of the ancient Greek grū́ps, meaning “curved beak”—a reference to the creature’s hooked nose.
Persian griffins are typically depicted with four legs, eagle talons on the front, a lion’s body, a feathered tail, wings like an eagle, and horse-like ears. This hybrid beast often appears massive, powerful, and majestic. In medieval texts such as The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, griffins were said to have claws as large as bull horns and feathers big enough to be used as arrow shafts. Greek geographer Pausanias noted they sometimes had leopard-like markings.
Artistic portrayals of griffins date back to the 7th century BC, though their origins likely predate even that.
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#6 The Gate Of All Nations In Persepolis
A massive guardian statue stands at the Gate of All Nations in Persepolis, the ceremonial heart of the Achaemenid Empire, located in present-day Iran. Commissioned by King Xerxes I in the 5th century BCE, this gate once received envoys from across the empire during New Year festivities. Carved from limestone, the figure features a bull’s body, eagle’s wings, and a human head—symbolizing power, guardianship, and royal dignity. Drawing inspiration from the Assyrian lamassu yet showcasing Persian elements, it exemplifies the empire’s majesty. Although weathered by time, the sculpture still powerfully conveys the artistry and authority of ancient Persia
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#7 The Nushabad Underground City Near Kashan, Iran
The Nushabad Underground City near Kashan, Iran, stands as a 1,500-year-old marvel from the Sassanian era. Carved an impressive 4 to 18 meters deep across three levels, this labyrinth stretches over 4 square kilometers. Its intricate network of tunnels, rooms, and air ducts provided refuge for locals seeking shelter from invaders like the Mongols and Arabs. With hidden entrances tucked beneath homes and forts, plus cunning traps like narrow curving passages, it safely housed thousands for days, complete with wells and storage.
This incredible city was utilized into the Qajar era (1789-1925) but was gradually abandoned as external threats diminished. Its secrets lay buried under desert sands, forgotten by time, until 2005. That year, a Nushabad resident, while digging a drainage ditch, stumbled into a tunnel and unveiled this lost world.
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#8 Iron Gauntlet From A Mass Grave, Battle Of Visby, Fought In July 1361 On The Swedish Baltic Island Of Gotland, Between Invading Danish Troops And The Local, Gutnish, Forces
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#9 Bust Of Maria Duglioli Barberini
Bust of Maria Duglioli Barberini, sculpted by the renowned Italian artist Giuliano Finelli in 1626. Finelli, celebrated for his skillful marble carvings, created a lifelike and dynamic representation of Maria Duglioli Barberini, a member of the influential Barberini family.
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#10 Ancient Marvel, From 1516, The Visionary Mind Of Leonardo Da Vinci Manifested In The Form Of A Captivating Spiral Staircase
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#11 Lascaux Cave
Lascaux Cave in France’s Dordogne region is renowned for its stunning Palaeolithic wall paintings. These artworks, mostly depictions of animals, date to around 17,000 years ago—placing them in the Upper Paleolithic era, likely in the late Solutrean or early Magdalenian periods. Scholars have estimated their age using a combination of radiocarbon dating and associated finds, such as a carved reindeer antler, offering insight into the artistic traditions of early humans.
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#12 The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. Major Charles Davis, a pivotal figure in uncovering the Roman remains in Bath, served as the city’s surveyor and architect.
In 1878, concerned about a leak in the King’s Bath, he decided to investigate the surrounding area. This led to his initial discovery of Roman tiles, lead, and pottery.
In the following years, much of the Great Bath was gradually uncovered. However, the excavation was complicated by the presence of buildings above it.
After significant challenges, the city authorities acquired these buildings and had them demolished to complete the excavation. By 1883, the Great Bath had been cleared of buildings and made ready for visitors.
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#13 St Kilda, Scotland. 160 Years Apart
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#14 A Statue Of Yasuke, An Enslaved African, Who Arrived In Japan In 1579 And Became The First Black Samurai
Yasuke a tall African man, arrived in Japan in 1579 and made history as the first foreign-born man to become a samurai warrior. Yasuke was originally a slave from Mozambique and was brought to Japan by Portuguese traders. The powerful Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga was fascinated by Yasuke’s tall stature and dark skin, and upon seeing him, ordered his servants to try and rub the “black ink” off his skin. Despite this strange encounter, Nobunaga took Yasuke into his service, granting him a sum of money, a house, and a katana. From then on, Yasuke loyally served Nobunaga as an honored samurai, fighting alongside him in fierce battles. He went from being a piece of Portuguese property to a member of the Japanese elite.
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#15 This Is One Of The Terraced Roman Houses (Domus) On The Slopes Of Mount Coelius In Ephesus, Present-Day Turkey
This is one of the terraced Roman houses (*Domus*) on the slopes of Mount Coelius in Ephesus, present-day Turkey, dating back to the 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE. Known as the “Terrace Houses” or “Houses of the Rich,” these dwellings were home to Ephesus’ wealthiest citizens during the Roman Imperial period.
The interiors reveal stunning mosaic floors, vividly painted frescoes, and a sophisticated urban layout with private courtyards, water systems, and underfloor heating. The image shows mythological motifs and geometric mosaics—such as a lion grappling its prey—preserved in astonishing detail. The layout reflects both Roman domestic luxury and the influence of Greek artistic traditions.
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#16 Duntrune Castle, Scotland
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.
The castle has historically been associated with Clan MacDougall and later came under the control of the powerful Clan Campbell, who retained ownership for centuries.
It gained a reputation for its role in Scotland’s turbulent clan conflicts, including a famous legend involving a MacDonald piper, who, while held captive, warned his clan of an ambush by playing a haunting tune.
Over the centuries, the castle underwent several phases of restoration, with the Campbells transforming it from a defensive structure into a family residence.
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#17 Mycenaean Daggers/Swords, Greece 16th – 14th Century Bc, National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece
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#18 Stonehenge’s Origins
A new study has changed what we know about Stonehenge’s origins, showing that the Altar Stone, a six-ton sandstone at the monument’s center, likely came from northeast Scotland, not Wales as once thought. The stone has a unique chemical makeup, with high barium levels, matching rocks possibly from the Orkney Islands, over 500 miles away.
Published in 2025, this suggests that around 2600 B.C., ancient Britons moved huge stones across long distances, probably by boat, revealing advanced planning and trade networks. This finding disputes the idea that Stonehenge’s stones were from nearby quarries, pointing to a broader web of connections in ancient Britain.
Scientists used precise chemical tests to compare the Altar Stone’s composition with rock samples, ruling out Wales and linking it to Scotland’s unique geology. This long-distance transport shows Stonehenge’s importance and the teamwork between far-off communities.
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#19 Two Graves Divided By A Cemetery Wall
In Roermond, Netherlands, two graves divided by a cemetery wall tell the story of a love that defied 19th-century religious boundaries. Jacob van Gorcum, a Protestant, and Josephina van Aefferden, a Catholic, married in 1842 despite societal norms. Their union lasted 38 years.
When Jacob died in 1880, he was buried in the Protestant cemetery. Eight years later, Josephina chose not to be buried in her family’s Catholic plot but as close as possible to her husband. Their graves, separated by the wall but facing each other, symbolize a bond that transcended religious divides
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#20 Prohodna — The “Eyes Of God”
Over thousands of years, water and wind carved out this dramatic cave in Bulgaria known as Prohodna — the “Eyes of God.” The upper opening in the cave’s ceiling forms two symmetrical ovals, eerily resembling eyes gazing toward the sky. By day, sunlight streams through like divine light; by night, the moon or stars can align perfectly, heightening the illusion of a sentient gaze from the heavens.
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#21 Mozart’s Kitchen
Mozart’s kitchen is situated at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg, Austria, within the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most renowned composers in history, was born on 27 January 1756.
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#22 Roman Beauty Rediscovered In Amasra
In September 2023, archaeologists at the ancient gymnasium of Amastris (now Amasra, on Türkiye’s Black Sea coast) uncovered a remarkably intact marble statue dating to the 2nd century AD. Found three meters underground, the statue was initially thought to represent a water nymph, but experts now believe it may be an image of Aphrodite.
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#23 Skara Brae, The “Scottish Pompeii”
In 1850, a farmer found a secret village. It was later determined to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Archeologists estimated that 100 people lived in this village named Skara Brae, the “Scottish Pompeii.”
The houses were connected to each other by tunnels, and each house could be closed off with a stone door.
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#24 Oldest Olive Oil – The Nearly 2,000 Year Old Bottle Filled With Solidified Olive Oil From Pompeii
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#25 Mummified Claw Of An Upland Moa
In a New Zealand cave in 1987, explorers made a remarkable discovery: the mummified claw of an upland moa. The claw retained remnants of muscle, skin, and sinew and came from a bird species thought to have vanished 600 years prior due to human settlement and extensive hunting. The exceptional preservation of this claw has sparked discussions about the possibility that these flightless birds may have lived unnoticed in isolated regions for a longer period than previously believed by researchers.
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#26 Cat Paw Prints In The Medieval Floor Tiles Of The 12th Century Ce St Peter Church In Wormleighton, England
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#27 A Seal Fur Thong From Greenland, Made By Inuits, 18th Century
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#28 Roman Bronze Door (115 Ad); At Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Roman Bronze Door (115 AD); at Pantheon, Rome, Italy. It is considered as the oldest door still used in Rome.
This large bronze doors to cella, measuring 4.45m wide by 7.53m high, yet so well balanced they can be pushed or pulled open easily by one person. Each half of double door weighs 8.5 tonnes, and rotates on pins set into floor and architrave above.
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#29 Military Bicycle With Spring Wheels From The 1900’s
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#30 The Deepest Known Point Is The Mariana Trench
Once you reach 200 metres, you enter the twilight zone – where light is almost gone, plants cannot photosynthesize. This zone extends from 200 to 1,000 metres.
Further down is the midnight zone (1,000 – 4,000 metres), which is completely dark, cold and under enormous pressure.
Below that is the abyss (4,000 – 6,000 metres), then the hadal zone – deep trenches on the ocean floor, starting at 6,000 metres.
The deepest known point is the Mariana Trench, reaching a depth of 10,935 metres, deeper than Mount Everest is tall.
The deepest humans have ever dived in a scuba diving device is 332 metres, and in a submersible it is 10,935 metres, reaching the bottom of the Mariana Trench
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#31 12th Century Door At Wells Cathedral In Somerset, UK
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#32 Roman Mosaic Floor Believed To Date Back To The 2nd Or 3rd Century Ce
Beneath the bustling modern construction site in London, England, archaeologists uncovered a magnificent Roman mosaic floor believed to date back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE. Once part of a grand dining room in a Roman villa or mansio (travel inn), this intricate geometric design lay hidden for over 1,800 years beneath layers of earth and modern infrastructure.
The mosaic features a vibrant star-shaped centerpiece flanked by interlocking patterns, wave motifs, and medallions—executed in red, black, and white tesserae. The craftsmanship reveals not only aesthetic sophistication but also the Roman emphasis on symmetry, symbolism, and spatial harmony. Its preservation amid surrounding development highlights the delicate balance between urban growth and historical legacy.
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#33 Charlemagne’s Throne In Aachen. From Then Until 1531, It Served As The Coronation Throne For Thirty-One Kings Of Germany
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#34 A Steam-Powered Elevator In The House Of Guard Captain S. Muyaki, St. Petersburg, Russia. Circa 1902–1903
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#35 The Roman Aqueduct In Patara, Turkey
The Roman aqueduct in Patara, Turkey, stands as a stunning testament to ancient engineering brilliance. Once a thriving city in Lycia, near modern-day Turkey’s southwestern coast, Patara flourished under Roman rule. As its population expanded, so did the demand for a dependable water source. The aqueduct, built to meet this need, showcases the Romans’ mastery of hydraulic systems and urban planning. Its enduring remains highlight the ingenuity of a civilization that prioritized both functionality and grandeur. Today, it serves as a fascinating glimpse into the past
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#36 The Column Of Marcus Aurelius
The Column of Marcus Aurelius is a monumental Roman victory column located in Rome’s Piazza Colonna. Erected around 180–193 AD, it commemorates Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ military campaigns against Germanic and Sarmatian tribes. Standing approximately 30 meters tall, the column is adorned with a spiral relief depicting dramatic battle scenes, offering a vivid glimpse into Roman warfare and propaganda.
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#37 Kailasa Temple
Kailasa Temple, a magnificent rock-cut temple in the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India. The Kailasa Temple is the largest Hindu temple carved from a single megalith in the world, making it an ancient architectural wonder. It is part of the Ellora Caves complex, which consists of 34 Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu cave temples and monasteries. Its construction is generally attributed to the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century CE. The temple is carved vertically from top to bottom, with dimensions of about 50 metres (164 ft) deep, 33 metres (109 ft) wide, and 30 metres (98 ft) high. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and contains numerous large-scale reliefs and sculptures.
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#38 In Ancient Greece, [adult Workers] Wore Special Sandals That Printed A Message In The Ground Reading, “Follow Me” To Advertise Their Services
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#39 The Stadium At Aphrodisias In Modern Turkey
The stadium at Aphrodisias in modern Turkey, built during the 1st century AD, is among the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek stadiums. It could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators and measured approximately 270 meters long by 60 meters wide.
Originally hosting traditional Greek athletic events—like races, wrestling, and javelin—its role later expanded under Roman influence to include gladiatorial contests and animal fights. Inscriptions carved into the seating reveal that seats were allocated to specific groups and elite individuals.
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#40 The Olive Tree Of Vouves
The Olive Tree of Vouves is a remarkable ancient olive tree located in the village of Ano Vouves on the Greek island of Crete. Believed to be one of the oldest olive trees in the world, this majestic tree is estimated to be over 3,000 years old, with some experts suggesting it could be even older. The Olive Tree of Vouves stands as a symbol of resilience, endurance, and the deep-rooted connection between humanity and nature. Its gnarled trunk and twisted branches tell a story of centuries past, bearing witness to the passage of time and the changing landscapes of Crete. Revered by locals and visitors alike, this ancient olive tree continues to produce olives, contributing to the rich agricultural heritage of the region
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#41 The Dabous Giraffes
The Dabous Giraffes are iconic prehistoric rock carvings found in the Ennedi Plateau of northeastern Chad. These intricate and detailed carvings depict two giraffes facing each other, with their necks intertwined in a graceful and symbolic manner. The Dabous Giraffes are considered masterpieces of ancient rock art, showcasing the artistic skill and cultural significance of the people who inhabited the region thousands of years ago.
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#42 1100 Year Old Boots, Mongolia
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#43 Diver Unveils 900-Year-Old Crusader Sword Off Israel’s Coast
In a remarkable find, Shlomi Katzin, an amateur diver from Atlit, Israel, stumbled upon a fascinating historical artifact during a routine dive in the Mediterranean Sea. While exploring the waters near the Carmel coast, Katzin noticed an unusual glimmer beneath the sand. Upon closer inspection, he discovered an extraordinary sword measuring over 39 inches in length, believed to date back to the time of the Crusades.
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#44 The Eschif In Périgueux In France
The Eschif in Périgueux in France, was a lookout for a toll bridge.
It’s an oak timber frame building with wattle & daub infill, built in 1347.
The building is balanced on the narrow ramparts of Puy-Saint-Front (the medieval centre of Périgueux) supported on oak struts along its length
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#45 The Only Surviving Head Of The Dodo
The only surviving head of the dodo, which went extinct 344 years ago- kept at the Natural History Museum in London, where it is considered an invaluable piece of natural history. This specimen offers a unique perspective on the wildlife of its original habitat, the island of Mauritius.
Discovered by Europeans in 1598, the dodo disappeared in the late 17th century due to intensive hunting and the introduction of invasive species. At around one metre tall and weighing between 10 and 17 kilograms, the dodo has become a symbol of extinction and a powerful reminder of the impact of humans on ecosystems.
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#46 The Grave Of A Bronze Age Teenage Girl
In 1921, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in Egtved, Denmark—the grave of a Bronze Age teenage girl, now known as the Egtved Girl. Radiocarbon dating suggests she lived sometime between 1390 and 1370 BCE and was likely between 16 and 18 years old when she died.
She was buried in a hollowed-out oak coffin, wrapped in a bull hide, and incredibly well-preserved, thanks to the acidic soil of the region. Her burial outfit—a midriff-baring wool blouse, a corded skirt, and bronze jewelry—has given us one of the clearest glimpses into prehistoric fashion in Northern Europe.
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#47 Michelangelo’s Moses. A True Masterclass In Sculpted Human Anatomy By The Legendary Michelangelo
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#48 A Herd Of Wild Przhevalsky Horses In The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Photograph: Tatyana Deryabina/University of Porthmouth. & a 17,000-year-old horse painting at the Lascaux cave in France
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#49 The Tamgaly Petroglyphs
The Tamgaly petroglyphs, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, are an ancient site dating back more than 3,500 years to the Bronze Age (around 1500 BC). This UNESCO World Heritage site contains over 5,000 intricate carvings etched into rock faces, providing a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of early nomadic societies.
The petroglyphs depict scenes of hunting, ritual ceremonies, and animals, including striking images of sun-headed deities believed to symbolize solar worship or divine beings. Among the most intriguing figures are horned horse-like creatures, which may represent mythical animals tied to shamanistic beliefs or spiritual symbolism.
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#50 The Crocodile Stone At Laos’ Vat Phou Temple
The Crocodile Stone at Laos’ Vat Phou temple complex is a carved boulder resembling a crocodile, dating back to pre-Angkorian times. While some speculate it was used for human sacrifices, there’s no concrete evidence to support this theory. Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the evolution of Khmer architecture from the 11th to 13th centuries.
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#51 The Achnabreck Cup And Ring Marks
The Achnabreck cup and ring marks are a fascinating set of ancient rock carvings located in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland, one of the richest prehistoric landscapes in Europe. These carvings date back to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 4,000 to 6,000 years ago. The Achnabreck site is particularly notable for its extensive panels of cup and ring marks, which consist of circular depressions (cups) surrounded by one or more concentric circles (rings), connected by grooves.
Achnabreck is one of the largest and most complex examples of this type of rock art in the UK. The carvings cover a broad expanse of rock surface, with some motifs reaching up to 1 meter in diameter, making them among the largest in Scotland. The purpose of these carvings remains a mystery; theories range from their use in rituals, marking territory, or serving as maps or astronomical markers.
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#52 The Sarcophagi Of Carajía
Perched high on a remote cliff in the Utcubamba Valley, the Sarcophagi of Carajía stand as imposing sentinels of a forgotten era. These towering pre-Inca sarcophagi, crafted by the enigmatic Chachapoyas culture between the 9th and 15th centuries, reach up to 2.5 meters in height. Located 48 kilometers northwest of the city of Chachapoyas, Peru, in Luya Province, Amazonas Region, each one, intricately designed and nearly untouched by time, guards the mummified remains of ancient individuals, revered as wise men by local lore.
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#53 600 Kilos Of Ancient Coins Found In Seville
Archaeologists in Spain have uncovered 600 kilograms of Roman coins, hidden for over 1,500 years! This incredible hoard was carefully buried inside 20 amphoras beneath the soil of Seville. Unlike the typical large vessels used for grain or wine, these smaller amphoras were stored in a sealed underground chamber. Some were perfectly preserved, while others lay broken beneath layers of bricks and ceramic fragments.
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#54 The Arch Of Titus
The Arch of Titus is a remarkable yet frequently overlooked historical landmark in Rome. Nestled near the Roman Forum, this triumphal arch has silently witnessed nearly two millennia of history, commemorating a pivotal moment in the story of Roman civilization.
Constructed around 81 CE, it honors Emperor Titus’s victory over Jerusalem after the siege of 70 CE. The arch features intricate reliefs that depict Roman soldiers carrying treasures from the Jewish temple, including the iconic Menorah—one of the earliest representations of this sacred symbol.
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#55 The Skeleton Of A 4,800-Year-Old Mother Holding Her Six-Month-Old Baby
She is believed to be an ancestor of the Austronesian people who later spread across the Pacific.
This discovery, associated with the Dapenkeng culture, was made in Taichung, Taiwan, and dates back to around 2800 BCE.
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#56 The Appennine Colossus
Built over 420 years ago in Florence, Italy, the Appennine Colossus is half man and half mountain. It was created with a brick core encased by a carved stone exterior that rises 35 feet above the water below. There’s even a secret room behind his head with a fireplace that blows smoke through his mighty nostrils.
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#57 Bi’r Hima, Saudi Arabia (Circa 7,000 Years Old)
Bi’r Hima is a remarkable archaeological site in Saudi Arabia, dating back about 7,000 years. This ancient location showcases rock art and inscriptions depicting camels, lions, ibexes, and hunting scenes, reflecting a time when the region was greener and more fertile. These engravings serve not only as artistic creations but also as important historical records revealing details about the people who once lived in this desert environment.
Situated along key trade routes, Bi’r Hima was a vital caravan stop where goods like incense and spices were exchanged. The inscriptions here, written in early scripts including Musnad and Aramaic-Nabatean, highlight a cultural crossroads influenced by South Arabian and Nabatean traditions.
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#58 A Marble Foot, Approximately 1.6 Feet Long, From A Statue Of Marcus Aurelius
In May 2023, archaeologists in Southern Turkey made an extraordinary find in the ancient city of Syedra—a marble foot, approximately 1.6 feet long, from a statue of Marcus Aurelius. This fragment, likely part of a life-sized or larger depiction, highlights the remarkable craftsmanship of Roman sculptors and the importance of imperial figures.
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#59 The Unfinished Obelisk Of Hatshepsut
The Unfinished Obelisk of Hatshepsut, is carved directly out of bedrock in a granite quarry, and was intended to stand at an estimated 42 metres (137 feet).It is believed to weigh around 1,200 tons.
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#60 Interior Of A 1926; Rolls Royce Phantom Brougham De Ville
The car was commissioned by business baron Clarence Gasque for his wife Maude, a devotee of 18th Century CE, French design, and it remains one of the most inspired examples of bespoke coachbuilding to this day.
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#61 The Chicken Leg Rock, Algerian Sahara Desert
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#62 The Astonishing Rutland Sea Dragon: Discovering A 180-Million-Year-Old Colossal Fossil
In February 2021, paleontologists in Rutland, England, uncovered an extraordinary find: a 10-meter-long skeleton of an Ichthyosaur, now hailed as the largest specimen of its kind ever recorded in the U.K. This intriguing fossil was discovered by Joe Davis during landscaping activities at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, right when a lagoon was being drained for maintenance. This ancient marine reptile roamed the seas between 250 and 90 million years ago, with the potential to reach lengths of up to 13 meters.
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#63 Ancient Armor Made From Crocodile Hide
Ancient armor made from crocodile hide, discovered in Egypt in the 19th century. Believed to date back to the Roman period, it was probably created more for ceremonial display than for actual warfare.
Radiocarbon dating confirms that this armor hails from the 3rd century AD, marking it as a significant piece within the timeline of Roman rule in Egypt.
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#64 30 Million Year Old Amber Encasing A Praying Mantis
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#65 Khiva’s City Wall In Uzbekistan
Khiva’s City Wall in Uzbekistan is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its ancient mud-brick ramparts that enclose the historic city.
Primarily constructed in the 17th century, these impressive walls reflect Khiva’s rich history and craftsmanship.
Originally built for defense, they showcase the artistry of traditional builders and stand as a testament to the city’s significance in the region’s past
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#66 The Voronya Cave
The Voronya Cave, the closest point to the center of the Earth, embodies one of Jules Verne’s most cherished dreams as envisioned in his 1864 novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth—the idea of venturing into the Earth’s interior. While Veryovkina Cave may not take us that far, it does get us pretty darn close to the planet’s core. At 2,212 meters deep, Veryovkina Cave holds the title of the world’s deepest cave.
Located at the junction of Mount Krrepost and Mount Zont in the territory of Abkhazia, a self-declared independent state that is officially recognized as part of Georgia, the cave was discovered in 1968 by speleologists from the city of Krasnoyarsk, who managed to reach a depth of 115 meters. In 1986 a new team from Moscow, led by Oleg Parfenov, reached a depth of 440 meters.
Since 2015, a series of expeditions by the Perovo-Speleo group have continued to push the boundaries of exploration, reaching deeper levels repeatedly until reaching a record-breaking depth of 2,212 meters in March 2018. The cave system is now known to include more than 6,000 meters of underground tunnels.
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#67 One Of The Fake Heads Used As A Decoy During The 1962 Escape Of 3 Prisoners From Alcatraz. Made With Soap, Toilet Paper, Toothpaste, And Concrete Dust
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#68 King Seti I
King Seti I, whose mummy stands as one of the most remarkably intact human remains in Egyptian history. His very name, “Seti,” meaning “Belonging to the god Set,” hints at the profound religious and cultural context of his reign.
Seti I ruled Egypt at the zenith of its power, a period of grandeur and prosperity that saw significant military campaigns and monumental building projects. He passed away approximately 3,298 years ago, leaving behind a monumental legacy, most notably as the father of one of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs, Ramses II, often referred to as Ramses the Great.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#69 Mycenae Lion Gate & Citadel Walls Built In 1350 B.c And Known As Cyclopean Style Walls Due To The Vast Size Of The Blocks
Image credits: Archaeology World
#70 Erbil: One Of The World’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities, Echoing 6,000 Years Of Civilization
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#71 Kazakhstan’s “Golden Man”
The Issyk Burial: Kazakhstan’s “Golden Man” Mystery
Unearthed in 1969 near Issyk, close to modern-day Almaty, Kazakhstan, a richly adorned burial from the 3rd or 2nd century BC revealed a treasure trove of artifacts. Among them were a silver bowl inscribed with enigmatic runes, a sword, and hundreds of gold ornaments sewn onto ceremonial clothing.
The figure was topped with a towering conical headdress, similar to ceremonial headwear worn by Central Asian women. While the individual’s gender remains uncertain, the presence of sewing needles led some scholars to suggest the burial may have belonged to a noblewoman or a Scythian princess. Others believe it could be a warrior interred to guard her in the afterlife.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#72 Coins Depicting Alexander The Great
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#73 A 37-Million-Year-Old Whale Skeleton
In the arid expanse of Wadi Al Hitan, an Egyptian desert region, a 37-million-year-old whale skeleton has been uncovered, adding to a significant collection of ancient marine fossils. This site, known as the Valley of the Whales, has revealed dozens of rare fossilized whale skeletons, offering invaluable insights into prehistoric marine life.
To safeguard these remarkable discoveries and promote their study, a dedicated museum has been established at the site.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#74 A Very Well-Preserved 3000-Year-Old Sword
A very well-preserved 3000-year-old sword was found inside a grave in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. It is reported that this 3000-year-old sword is in such good condition and extremely rare to be found in this location, except for a few scratches.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#75 Acropolis Of Athens
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#76 Petroglyphs, Galicia, Spain
Carved over 4,000 years ago. Known as petroglyphs, their true meaning remains unknown – some say they map the stars, others believe they mark sacred rituals
Image credits: Archaeology World
#77 Kom Ombo Temple, Egypt A Sphinx Statue
Archaeologists working at the Kom Ombo Temple in Egypt have uncovered a remarkable sphinx statue while managing groundwater levels.
This sandstone masterpiece is believed to date back to the Ptolemaic era, which lasted from 305-30 BC.
The Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus, has long been a rich site for historical finds. This newly discovered sphinx adds to the wealth of artifacts uncovered there, offering fresh insight into the art and symbolism of the time. The statue’s craftsmanship reflects the unique fusion of Greek and Egyptian styles that characterized the Ptolemaic period
Image credits: Archaeology World
#78 One Of The Oldest Intact [rubbers] Ever Found
One of the oldest intact [rubbers] ever found dates back to 1640 AD and was discovered in Lund, Sweden. It was made from pig intestines, a common material used before modern latex was invented.
What makes this find even more interesting is the user manual written in Latin that came with it. The instructions advised men to dip it in unboiled milk before use to help prevent diseases. The [rubber] was reusable: after use, it was washed and soaked again in unboiled milk for 6 to 8 hours before being used another time.
Image credits: Archaeology World
#79 Porfirio Díaz In 1910 At The National Museum Of Anthropology With The Aztec Calendar Stone
Image credits: Archaeology World
#80 Ancient Greek Helmets From The Classical Period Kept In The Storeroom Of The Archaeological Museum Of Olympia In Greece
Image credits: Archaeology World
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