12 Most Ancient Archaeological Discoveries Scientists Still Can’t Explain

Archaeologists continue to make fascinating discoveries, yet many ancient mysteries remain unsolved. In June 2022, marine archaeologists discovered the long-lost marble head of a Roman statue of Hercules in a shipwreck off Greece. Despite being overlooked for years, its identification was confirmed when divers found the statue’s plinth. In the same wreck, human teeth were also found, indicating someone perished when the ship sank around 60 BCE.

The origins of the Black Death, which ravaged Europe from 1346 to 1352, might have been traced to Lake Issyk-Kul in modern-day Kyrgyzstan. Medieval tombstones from 1338-1339 list pestilence as the cause of death, and scientists identified plague bacterium in the remains of those buried there.

In Norway, two amateur metal detectorists discovered separate pieces of a Viking sword, reuniting it 1,200 years after it was broken. Although the blade is missing, the ornate hilt reveals that the sword was made in England or the Frankish Empire.

In Iceland, a Viking cave, possibly used for housing livestock, was found in the village of Oddi. It is believed to date back to the time of the powerful Oddaverjar clan. However, archaeologists face dangers exploring it due to its fragile sandstone structure.

In Egypt, seven skeletons found in a Red Sea port city puzzled archaeologists due to their unusual burial posture. Bound in stone boxes with their limbs resting on their chests, the individuals seemed to be elites, despite the mysterious burial method.

Sardinia’s Giants of Mont’e Prama are towering statues that date back 2,800-3,100 years, believed to be created by the Nuragic civilization. However, little is known about these ancient people, as the Romans destroyed most traces of their culture.

In Ukraine, ancient Greek amphorae were unearthed during trench digging by soldiers in Odessa. These artifacts, dating back 2,500 years, offer a rare archaeological success amidst the ongoing conflict.

Costa Rica’s Diquís Spheres, perfectly round stone objects, continue to baffle archaeologists. Although they are common, their origin, purpose, and creators remain unknown.

In Iraq, a 4,000-year-old bitumen-coated boat was found near Uruk, once Sumeria’s capital. Its remarkable preservation offers rare insights into ancient trade.

Finally, a 1,000-year-old surgeon’s tomb was discovered in Peru, containing a full set of surgical tools, suggesting the high status of ancient medical practitioners.

These discoveries remind us that while much can be learned from archaeology, some mysteries remain unsolved.