In 1938, a remarkable discovery in India revealed ancient palm scrolls containing groundbreaking knowledge in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and various sciences. Estimated to be over 4,000 years old, these scrolls represent one of the oldest libraries in the world. The scrolls provide information on ancient geometric patterns, astronomical calculations of planetary motions, and many other areas of study, reflecting the advanced intellectual and scientific achievements of the ancient Indian civilization. The preservation of this palm tree for millennia also highlights the ingenious techniques used by ancient societies to safeguard knowledge for future nations.
The Bosnian Pyramids: Controversial Structures
In Bosnia, a mysterious pyramid-shaped structure came to light in the early 2000s, largely through the efforts of archaeologist Sᴇmir Osmanagić. Hᴇ claims that these formations, including the Pyramids of the Sun, Moon, and Dragon, were created by an ancient civilization approximately 12,000 years ago, predating the Egyptian pyramids. However, this view is refuted by some scientists who maintain that these formations are natural and shaped by geological processes. Despite the doubt, these pyramids remain an intriguing aspect of Bosnian archaeology.
Pluto’s Gate: The Door to Hell
In 2013, an ancient shrine known as Pluto’s Gate was discovered in Turkey. Located in the ancient city of Hyrapolis, this site was once dedicated to Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld. The shrine regularly emits carbon dioxide gases, creating a lethal atmosphere. Priests use this phenomenon in rituals, demonstrating their divinatory power by bringing animals to their deaths at the gate. The discovery provides a fascinating look at how ancient societies interpreted and incorporated natural phenomena into their religious practices.
Ancient Tombs in China: A Look at Life in the 8th Century
A tomb dating back to 736 AD has been discovered in northern China, decorated with vibrant frescoes depicting daily life during the Tang Dynasty. These frescoes illustrate activities such as grinding grain and drawing water, and include depictions of characters from different ethnic groups. The artwork offers valuable insight into daily life, fashion and the multicultural aspects of the Tang Dynasty, helping historians understand more about ancient Chinese society.
The mysterious “bags” of the ancient world
Archaeologists have discovered carvings that look like modern handbags at ancient sites from Turkey to Mexico. Dating back 12,000 years, these images have puzzled archaeologists, who speculate that they could symbolize baskets or containers. While some images suggest that the images represent objects associated with prosperity or spiritual meaning, the purpose of these mysterious carvings remains a matter of speculation.
Rock art in Von Zula: traces of a lost culture
In Canaima National Park in Vᴇnᴇzuᴇla, archaeologists discovered ancient rock art dating back thousands of years. These red pigment designs, which include geometric patterns and stylized human figures, could have had ritual significance, possibly related to birth, illness, or hunting. This discovery opens a window into an ancient culture that may have influenced rock art throughout the Amazon.
The Olmec portal to the underworld returns to Mexico
In a recent restoration, a unique artifact called the “Portal to the Underworld,” originally stolen from Mexico in the 1960s, has returned to its rightful place. Created by the Olmec civilization, the monument portrays a mythical formation that symbolizes entry into the spiritual world. Its repatriation highlights the importance of preserving and restoring cultural heritage.
Micky’s latest big hit
One of the more unusual archaeological finds is a fragment of ancient Greek, written on a wooden tablet between 257 and 248 BC. The fragment, partially written by Micah, includes messages about financial and family matters. New members of Grᴇk like this, as it gives them a rare glimpse into that person’s personal life and communication.
Statue of Horus found in a Bulgarian village
Excavations on the Greek-Bulgarian border have uncovered a two-metre-high marble statue of Hormis. Probably hidden during the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, this statue sheds light on the changes in religious beliefs of the time, as pagan symbols were replaced by Christian iconography.
The Tarim Mummies in China: Evidence of Past Migrations
In China’s Tarim Basin, exceptionally destruction-prone mummies have been discovered, some of them more than 4,000 years old. These mummies display Caucasian features, challenging the assumption that the region’s ancient population was exclusively Asian. DNA analysis suggests a mix of ancient and Western ancestry, suggesting complex migration routes across ancient Asia.
Donisovan’s DNA was found in a Tibetan cave
In the high-altitude cave of Tibᴇn Baishiya, scientists discovered the remains of a Dᴇnisovan, a mysterious human species. This find, which dates back approximately 48,000 years, suggests that the Dᴇnisovan were adapted to extreme altitudes. The study of these fossils helps to broaden our understanding of human evolution and ancient migrations.
Mariᴇ Curiᴇ’s notebooks: a dangerous logic
Mariᴇ Curie’s contributions to science came at significant personal risk, as his work with radium and polonium exposed him to lethal radiation. His notebooks, still radioactive, are kept in protective containers at the National Library of France, where necessary safety protocols are observed. This tribute to Curie’s thesis and the dangers of early scientific research highlights the lasting impact of today’s groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity.