Scientists Found the Tomb of a Supernatural Being

20 Most Horrifying Discoveries in Ancient Tombs

Throughout history, archaeologists have uncovered shocking artifacts buried deep within ancient tombs—bizarre objects, eerie remains, and chilling relics that redefine what we know about the past. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey as we explore some of the most terrifying discoveries ever made in ancient burial sites.

20. The Pregnant Mummy

Finding a mummified pregnant woman is an astonishing discovery. The mummification process was typically reserved for specific individuals, and pregnant women were rarely, if ever, mummified. However, in 2021, researchers examined a mummy from the 1st century BC and made a shocking revelation.

The sarcophagus, believed to contain a male Egyptian priest, was instead holding the remains of a woman—who was pregnant at the time of her death. Estimated to have been 20 to 30 years old, she was between 26 and 30 weeks pregnant when she died. The fetus was still inside her, making this the first known case of an embalmed pregnant woman in history.

The mystery deepened when researchers questioned how the body ended up in the wrong sarcophagus. It is believed that the mummy may have been placed there intentionally in 1826 to increase its value. The reason she was mummified with her unborn child remains unknown, but one theory suggests she died during childbirth, leading to their joint burial.

19. The Children of Llullaillaco

In 1999, archaeologists made a chilling discovery atop Mount Llullaillaco, on the border of Argentina and Chile. The frozen bodies of three children, victims of an Incan sacrificial ritual from the 1500s, were unearthed.

The children had been drugged with coca leaves and alcohol before being placed inside a sealed underground chamber, where they were left to die. Despite their tragic fate, their bodies were astonishingly well-preserved due to the freezing temperatures and high-altitude conditions. Some parts of their skin and even hair remained intact, making them the best-preserved Incan mummies ever found.

This horrific practice was believed to be a way to appease the gods. The sight of the children, frozen in time as though they were still alive, remains one of the most haunting discoveries in archaeological history.

18. The Ancient Siberian Ice Maiden

In 2022, Russian authorities investigating a grave-robbing case in Siberia stumbled upon an unexpected and eerie discovery—an ancient woman encased in ice.

Known as the Siberian Ice Maiden, her body had been preserved for approximately 2,500 years due to the region’s permafrost. Although her remains were not as well-preserved as some other mummies, the artifacts surrounding her burial made the discovery particularly intriguing.

Six horses had been carefully placed around her, suggesting she held a high social status—possibly as a princess from a nomadic tribe. But what truly fascinated researchers were the intricate tattoos covering her body. Unlike simple markings, her tattoos were elaborate and artistic, providing a rare glimpse into the culture of her time.

Sadly, experts believe she may have died from breast cancer, proving that even in ancient times, disease could be a silent killer.

17. Shackled Bodies in a Mass Grave

Mass graves are always unsettling, but in 2016, archaeologists in Greece made an especially disturbing discovery—80 skeletons buried with their hands shackled.

The positioning of the bodies indicated that these individuals were bound before their deaths, suggesting execution. However, despite their grim fate, they appeared to have been buried with a level of respect, creating an odd contradiction.

Historians believe these individuals were followers of Cylon, an Athenian noble who attempted a coup in 632 BC. After his rebellion failed, his supporters were executed, while Cylon himself managed to escape. Even in death, these unfortunate victims remained a chilling reminder of political betrayal and loss.

16. The Curse of King Tutankhamun

The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 was one of the most significant archaeological findings in history. However, it also led to one of the most infamous legends—the Curse of the Pharaohs.

Following the tomb’s opening, several people involved in the excavation met mysterious and untimely deaths. Lord Carnarvon, who financed the dig, died of blood poisoning from a mosquito bite. Other team members and visitors also suffered bizarre fates, including assassinations and unexplained illnesses.

The idea of the curse quickly spread, making many people afraid to open other tombs. However, in a surprising twist, it was later revealed that Howard Carter and his team had fabricated the curse to keep grave robbers and journalists away from the site. In reality, no ancient Egyptian texts mention such a curse.

15. Mummified Scarab Beetles

The ancient Egyptians often buried their dead with companions—sometimes family members, servants, or even animals like cats. However, in a rare case from the Fifth Dynasty, archaeologists in 2018 discovered something unexpected: mummified scarab beetles.

Two particularly large scarabs were found in an elaborately decorated sarcophagus. The purpose of mummifying these beetles remains a mystery, but scarabs were highly symbolic in Egyptian culture, representing rebirth and transformation. This unique find adds another layer to the fascinating burial customs of ancient Egypt.