Post by JustJohn or JJ on Apr 17, 2015 4:59:45 GMT -7
8 Incredible Archaeological Finds Your History Books Probably Didn’t Mention
The Unfinished Obelisk
Recently found in Aswan, Egypt, the obelisk was ordered by Hatshepsut in the mid 1500s BC. For some reason the obolisk was never finished, even though it would have been the largest Egyptian obelisk ever erected.
L’Anse aux Meadows
This ancient settlement was believed to have been built by Vikings. The fact that it could support up to 160 people isn’t what makes it interesting. The fact that it was built 500 years before Columbus “discovered” North America is what makes this find incredible.
Saksaywaman
This fortress sits outside of Cusco, Peru – the former capital of the Incan empire. The giant rocks of this extremely complex compound are fitted so tightly together, that hundreds of years later you can’t even slip a piece of paper between them.
Mohenjo-daro
Built in 2600 BCE, this town which lies in modern-day Pakistan is one of the first examples of modern city planning. The town contains roads, and even a drainage system that worked like a sewer.
Göbekli Tepe
This find was so significant that it made archeologist rethink what we know about the origins of human society. When it was found near a mountain top in Turkey, the structure was found to pre-date agriculture (9,000-10,000 BCE), confirming that church or worship were the beginnings of civilization – not commerce.
The Longyou Grottoes
Not only is the scale of these tunnels found in Zhejiang, China that date as far back as 212 BCE simply amazing, but they are covered floor to ceiling in precise, evenly spaced 60 degree angled markings.
Stone Spheres of Costa Rica
Not a lot is known about these giant stone spheres other than the fact that they were probably made by the Diquis people that lived from 700 to 1530 AD. Legend has it that the spheres are relics from the lost city of Atlantis.
Yonaguni Monument
Archeologists debate wether or not the underwater monument off of the coast of Japan in natural or man made. The monument features twin obelisks that appear to have been put in place, as well as the formation above – known as “the turtle”.