A Mysterious 500 000 Year Old Artifact Discovered by Accident
Time Machines or Discoveries Beyond Their Era?
Sometimes, it feels as if time machines truly exist. How else can we explain the discovery of some modern tools and technologies in archaeological digs where, according to history, they shouldn’t have existed at that time? Archaeology is a fascinating science because experts often encounter artifacts and phenomena that are hard to explain. When out-of-time artifacts are found during excavations, archaeologists sometimes struggle to interpret them. One such mysterious case occurred in Kosovo, where an extremely puzzling object was discovered.
The Oldest Tool Found in Israel
Archaeologists in Israel recently uncovered the oldest tool ever made by human ancestors — a scraper made of dolomite stone, dating back approximately 350,000 years. Previously, the oldest known tool was dated at about 200,000 years old. Researchers suggest this tool was created roughly 50,000 years before Homo sapiens appeared. Before this discovery, scientists believed that our ancestors started making such tools only around 200,000 years ago. The tool has a simple shape and unclear exact use but was likely used for scraping or cleaning.
Glyptodon – The Prehistoric “Volkswagen”
Glyptodon was a remarkable prehistoric creature, resembling a giant armadillo with a thick, turtle-like shell. It had short legs, a short neck, and a head that looked somewhat like a helmet. Its thick shell made it almost invulnerable to predators of its time. The most distinctive feature was its spiked or club-like tail used for defense. First mentioned in Europe in 1823, it was initially confused with Megatherium, a giant prehistoric sloth. Glyptodon may have been hunted to extinction by early humans, not only for meat but also for its protective shell to craft tools.
Dinosaur Feathers Preserved in Canadian Amber
In Alberta, Canada, scientists found fossilized dinosaur feathers preserved in amber dating back 70 to 85 million years. These discoveries show that many dinosaur species during that period had feathers similar to modern bird feathers. Previously, feather fossils were mostly found in China, where the feathers were thin and hair-like. The Canadian find confirms that by the late Cretaceous period, feathers had fully developed. If you traveled back 80 million years in North America, you would see many animals covered in thick feathers.
The Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is famous for the Jabel Alcala hill, home to the ancient Roman Temple of Hercules within the Amman Citadel. A colossal marble statue, about 12-13 meters tall, was erected here during Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s reign. Today, only two standing columns and fragments of the statue’s arm and shoulder remain, damaged by centuries of earthquakes. The statue’s hand, with only three fingers left, is considered a precious historical relic.
The Colossus of Apollonas, Greece
On the Greek island of Naxos, near the village of Apollonas, there is a marble quarry containing a huge unfinished statue known as the Colossus of Dionysus. Made from light gray marble, the statue stands about 11 meters tall and weighs 80 tons. It dates back to the 7th or 6th century BCE. The statue was likely abandoned either because of its enormous weight making transportation impossible or due to cracks found during its creation.
Underground City in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, is a natural wonder formed over millions of years. However, alternative history theories suggest it might have once been a mining site for a lost ancient civilization. An astonishing discovery revealed an underground cave system with tunnels, burial sites, statues, metal tools, and mummies resembling those of ancient Egypt. This raises questions about possible connections between ancient Egyptian civilization and this mysterious culture. So far, the mystery remains unsolved.
Archelon – The Giant Extinct Sea Turtle
Archelon was a giant extinct sea turtle, one of the largest turtles ever recorded, weighing over 2,200 kilograms. It had massive flipper-like limbs, allowing it to swim long distances. Unlike modern turtles, Archelon could not retract into its shell, making it vulnerable to large marine predators.
Trilobites – The Forgotten Predators
Trilobites were marine arthropods that appeared during the Cambrian period and lived for over 270 million years before going extinct around 250 million years ago due to a mass extinction event. Interestingly, trilobites did not undergo complex metamorphosis; instead, they grew by adding new body segments from the rear, making them larger over time. They are considered excellent swimmers and effective predators of their time.
A 500,000-Year-Old Spark Plug?
In California, USA, an object resembling a spark plug was found dating back roughly 500,000 years. Known as a UFO (Unidentified Fossil Object), X-rays showed it contained a metal rod and a small spring inside. Some scientists speculate it might be part of an ancient electrical device, while others argue it could be a modern industrial artifact accidentally left during 20th-century mining activities. The object remains a controversial mystery.
Roman Criminals Executed and Buried
Archaeologists from the University of Cambridge studied Roman graves in Cambridgeshire, England, dating to the 4th century CE. Among 52 skeletons discovered, many were buried face down — a burial practice thought to signify executed criminals or social outcasts. The execution rate during this period rose dramatically, from 14% to 60%. Researchers believe the executed were buried by friends or relatives with special rites to prevent their spirits from returning.
Mysterious Stone Eggs in China
In Qujing province, China, there are unusual stone “eggs” embedded in cliffs, each ranging from 20 to 60 cm in diameter and weighing about 300 kg. These perfectly round stone spheres feature rings resembling tree growth rings. The formation process takes roughly 30 years per stone egg. Locals believe these stone eggs hold magical powers, bringing good luck and protection to families.
