Buzz
Historians and anthropologists dedicate their efforts to unraveling the mysteries of our past. As we explore history, we observe the cyclical pattern of civilizations flourishing and collapsing, reflecting humanity's recurring journey of creation and ruin. Yet, certain ancient societies appear almost otherworldly, with their legends and enigmatic encounters shrouded in mystery. Some are described as highly advanced and peaceful, only to disappear abruptly due to catastrophic events, while others, despite numerous accounts and tales, seem to have never existed at all. This list delves into the intriguing puzzles surrounding these ancient cultures.
10. Age of the Pyramids and Sphinx
The majority of Egyptologists assert that the Great Sphinx on the Giza plateau is approximately 4,500 years old. However, this figure remains a hypothesis rather than a proven fact. As Robert Bauval highlights in 'The Age of the Sphinx,' there is a complete absence of inscriptions linking the Sphinx to this era—no carvings on walls, stelae, or mentions in ancient papyri. This raises the question: when was it truly constructed? John Anthony West contested the Sphinx's accepted age by pointing out vertical erosion patterns at its base, indicative of prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall. How could such erosion occur in a desert? Interestingly, this region experienced significant rainfall around 10,500 years ago, suggesting the Sphinx might be over twice as old as currently believed. Bauval and Graham Hancock further propose that the Great Pyramid also dates back to approximately 10,500 B.C., predating known Egyptian civilization. This revelation prompts deeper questions: Who constructed these monuments, and for what purpose?
It’s worth noting that the general shape of the Sphinx is a natural formation in that region, shaped by wind and sand over time. Egyptologists suggest that ancient Egyptians likely observed the cat-like outline and subsequently carved the detailed features into it.
9. The Nazca Lines
The renowned Nazca lines are located in a desert roughly 200 miles south of Lima, Peru. Spanning a plain nearly 37 miles long and one mile wide, these etched lines and figures have baffled scientists since their discovery in the 1930s. The lines are remarkably straight, with some running parallel and others intersecting, creating the appearance of ancient airport runways when viewed from above. This led Erich von Daniken, in his book *Chariots of the Gods*, to propose that they might have served as landing strips for extraterrestrial spacecraft. Even more fascinating are the massive depictions of over 70 animals, including a monkey, a spider, and a hummingbird, etched into the ground. The mystery lies in their enormous scale, which makes them visible only from high altitudes. Their purpose remains debated: some argue they served astronomical functions, others believe they were part of religious rituals, and a recent theory posits they marked pathways to vital water sources. The truth, however, remains elusive.
8. Location of Atlantis
The true location of Atlantis has sparked countless theories. The legend originates from Plato, who described the island as a vast, advanced, and beautiful continent in 370 B.C. However, his account of its whereabouts was ambiguous and limited. While many argue that Atlantis is purely mythical, others have scoured the globe for evidence or hints of its existence. Edgar Cayce’s prophecies suggested remnants of Atlantis would emerge near Bermuda, and in 1969, geometric stone structures discovered near Bimini (known as The Bimini Road) fueled speculation that Cayce was correct. Other theories place Atlantis in Antarctica, Mexico, off the coast of England, or even Cuba. The debate and speculation will likely persist until definitive proof is uncovered—perhaps a sign reading, “Welcome to Atlantis! Dine at Joe’s.” For a deeper dive into Atlantis, visit here.
7. The “ever-ominous” Mayan Calendar
The Mayan calendar has generated significant buzz, particularly its supposed prophecies. Many people feared its predictions more than the Y2K scare. The concern stems from the Mayan “Long Count” calendar, which concludes on December 21, 2012, according to our modern calendar. What does this signify? Could it herald the end of the world through disaster or war, or mark the dawn of a new era for humanity? History shows that such prophecies often fail to materialize. Nonetheless, the only way to know for sure is to wait and observe. Just to be safe, you might want to finish your Christmas shopping early in 2012.
6. The Spirit Cave Mummy
In 1940, archaeologists Sydney and Georgia Wheeler, a husband-and-wife team, uncovered a mummy in Spirit Cave, located thirteen miles east of Fallon, Nevada. Inside the cave, they found the remains of two individuals wrapped in tule matting. One set of remains, buried deeper, had partially mummified, preserving the head and right shoulder. With help from local residents, the Wheelers recovered sixty-seven artifacts from the site. These items were analyzed at the Nevada State Museum and dated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 years old. Decades later, in 1994, anthropologist R. Erv Taylor from the University of California, Riverside, used mass spectrometry to examine seventeen of the artifacts. The results revealed that the mummy was approximately 9,400 years old, making it the oldest known mummy in North America. Further analysis suggested the mummy had Caucasoid features similar to the Ainu, an ethnic group from Japan, though no definitive connection has been confirmed.
5. Egyptian Treasures in the Grand Canyon
The April 5, 1909 issue of the Arizona Gazette included an article titled “Explorations in Grand Canyon: Remarkable finds suggest ancient people migrated from the Orient.” The article claimed that an expedition, funded by the Smithsonian Institution, uncovered artifacts that could challenge traditional historical narratives. Inside a man-made cavern carved into solid rock, explorers reportedly found hieroglyphic tablets, copper weapons and tools, statues of Egyptian gods, and mummies. However, the story’s credibility is questionable, as the site has never been rediscovered. The Smithsonian denies any involvement, and subsequent searches have yielded no results. Could the article have been a fabrication? Researcher David Hatcher Childress notes that while the story might be a hoax, its front-page prominence, detailed account, and mention of the Smithsonian lend it some credibility. Supporters also point to restricted areas in the Grand Canyon as potential evidence of a cover-up.
4. Mu or Lemuria
The fabled lost continent of Mu, often referred to as Lemuria, rivals Atlantis in fame and shares many similarities. According to legends from various Pacific islands, Mu was a lush, paradise-like land in the Pacific Ocean that sank beneath the waves thousands of years ago, taking its inhabitants with it. Like Atlantis, its existence and exact location remain subjects of debate.
3. Japan’s Underwater Ruins
Off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, submerged 20 to 100 feet underwater, lie mysterious structures that may have been constructed by an ancient, lost civilization. While skeptics argue these tiered formations are likely natural, their appearance suggests otherwise. In an article for Atlantis Rising, Frank Joseph describes a diver’s discovery of a massive stone arch or gateway, meticulously assembled like the ancient Inca masonry found in the Andes. This discovery supports the theory that these are manmade ruins. The site features what seem to be paved streets, crossroads, altars, staircases leading to plazas, and towering structures resembling pylons. If this is indeed a sunken city, its scale is immense. Some speculate it could be linked to the lost civilizations of Mu or Lemuria.
This article is re-produced with permission from About.Com
2. Sunken City off of Cuba
In May 2001, Advanced Digital Communications (ADC) made a groundbreaking discovery while mapping the ocean floor in Cuba’s territorial waters. At a depth of 2,200 feet, sonar images revealed stones arranged in a geometric pattern, resembling the ruins of an ancient city. Paul Weinzweig of ADC remarked, “Nature couldn’t have created something so symmetrical. This isn’t natural, but we don’t know what it is.” Could this be a submerged city? National Geographic took a keen interest in the site and participated in further investigations. In 2003, a minisub explored the structures, and Paulina Zelitsky of ADC described seeing what appeared to be a large urban center. However, she emphasized the need for evidence before drawing conclusions.
1. Voyages to the Americas
While Christopher Columbus is often credited with “discovering” America, evidence shows that others arrived long before him. Native Americans had settled the continent centuries earlier, and artifacts suggest explorers from other civilizations also reached the Americas. Greek and Roman coins, pottery, and Egyptian statues of Isis and Osiris have been found in the U.S. and Mexico, alongside evidence of Egyptians in the Grand Canyon. Ancient Hebrew and Asian relics further support the idea of early transoceanic contact. Native myths and folklore also recount tales of visitors from distant lands, adding to the likelihood of pre-Columbian exploration.
The truth is, we know very little about early, far-traveling cultures.
