Even today, the world is full of mysteries, and while some may remain unsolved forever, others have been cracked open after centuries of speculation. These ten historical mysteries were solved through shifts in focus, recognizing unique privileges, clarifying confusing data, and a whole lot of persistence.
The participation of experts from different disciplines, linking cause and effect, satellite observations, investigating overlooked features, and microscopic examinations have all played crucial roles in solving these ancient enigmas. Get ready to be amazed by these feats of determination and innovation.
10. Mayan Calendar
For a long time, the 819-day cycle of the Mayan calendar baffled experts. It seemed linked to planetary movements, but how? The key was realizing the correct interpretation period wasn’t 819 days at all, but 16,380 days—about 45 years.
Within this extended period, all the planets’ synodic periods fit. As experts John H. Linden and Victoria R. Bricker explained, Mayan astronomers envisioned it as a larger system to predict the movements of all visible planets. [1]
9. “Impossible” Egyptian Statue
An ancient Egyptian statue depicted a pharaoh seated in the lap of a kneeling figure of non-royal origin, which was considered “impossible.” Pharaohs weren’t typically shown with commoners.
Margaret Maitland’s research revealed the statue came from Deir el-Medina, near the Valley of the Kings. The artisans who constructed the pharaohs’ tombs lived there and had special permission to depict rulers in unconventional ways. Maitland believes the pharaoh is Ramesses II, and the kneeling figure is Ramose, a senior scribe and leader of the Deir el-Medina people. [2]
8. Reptile Species
The first fossil of the Ichthyosaurs reptile, Ichthyosaurus communis, was found in the 19th century and classified in 1821. But identifying different species became a problem due to partial remains, lost fossils, and a lack of illustrations.
In the mid-1970s, Dr. Chris McGowan proposed that two species, I. communis and I. Intermedius, were actually the same. This simple yet insightful observation solved the long-standing mystery of the true relationships among these reptilian species. [3]
7. Antikythera Mechanism
Discovered in 1901, the Antikythera Mechanism is a 2,000-year-old device that combines an astronomical calculator with a calendar. Its complexity stumped experts for decades. Thanks to 3D computer modeling, researchers from University College London reconstructed and tested the device.
They concluded it displayed the movements of the sun, moon, and planets on concentric rings, easier than using gears given the ancient Greeks’ geocentric view. The device’s Dragon Hand may have been used to predict eclipses. [4]
6. The Tremulous Hand of Worcester
The Tremulous Hand of Worcester, a 13th-century scribe, was known for his shaky handwriting. Historian Dr. Deborah Thorpe and neurologist Dr. Jane Alty collaborated to solve the mystery.
They determined the scribe likely suffered from essential tremor, a chronic condition causing involuntary shaking, especially during writing. The partnership between a historian and a neurologist was key to understanding the scribe’s unusual script. [5]
5. Ancient Perfume
Perfume use dates back to ancient Egypt, and the Greeks and Romans also produced it on a large scale. A jar of ancient perfume, discovered in a Roman mausoleum in Seville, Spain, offered a rare glimpse into the scents of the past.
Researchers found that the perfume contained hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, and vegetable fat. The scent was likely patchouli, which is often described as earthy, woody, sweet, and musky. The mystery of ancient fragrances was finally unveiled. [6]
4. Puquios
The Nazca civilization (500 to 200 BC) constructed a sophisticated subterranean aqueduct system with spiral openings called puquios. Rosa Lasaponara and her team used satellite observations to determine the purpose of these openings.
The puquios’ corkscrew-shaped tunnels funnel wind into the underground canals, pushing water where it’s needed for farming, irrigation, and household use. This ingenious system continues to provide water year-round. [7]
5. Ancient Language
Seventeen letters spelling seven words, overlooked after an archaeological dig, were deciphered in 2022. This inscription, found on an ancient comb, represents the first sentence ever found in the Canaanite language in Israel.
The inscription reads, “May this tusk root out the lice of the hair and the beard,” indicating that the alphabet was used in daily activities some 3700 years ago. It provides valuable insight into the ancient Canaanites. [8]
2. Building Materials
Roman structures like the Colosseum and aqueducts have stood for thousands of years, unlike modern concrete structures. Researchers examining Roman concrete found it was reinforced with lime clasts through “hot mixing,” which allowed calcium to fill cracks, creating a self-healing mechanism.
The ancient Mayans used a similar technique, mixing tree sap with limestone to create a durable plaster. These innovations allowed ancient structures to withstand the test of time. [9]
1. The City of Ubar
The lost city of Ubar was found in Oman using NASA’s Challenger space shuttle. Amateur archaeologist Nicholas Clapp asked NASA to search for signs of the city, and it was discovered, swallowed by a sinkhole.
Clapp believed the site matched descriptions in legends and the Koran. However, Ubar was likely a fortress where frankincense merchants gathered, achieving city status only in legend. [10]
These solved mysteries highlight the remarkable persistence, determination, and innovation of researchers and experts across various fields. From calendars to statues to lost cities, each solution offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Which of these solved mysteries fascinated you the most? Leave your comment below!
