Ten Mysterious Discoveries of the Ancient World

#6. Yonaguni – the Japanese Atlantis

The origin of the Yonaguni underwater formations found off the coast of Yonaguni are still being debated – some geologists believe it is naturally formed while others believe it is artificial. Both the government of Okinawa and the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, however, do not recognize the formations as important cultural artifacts and neither has carried out any further studies or preservation on the structures.

#7. Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan

Mohenjo Daro (translated as Mound of the Dead) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Pakistan. It was considered as one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley civilization, but was eventually abandoned when the civilization faced sudden decline. The site remained hidden until 1922, when an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India rediscovered the ruins.

#8. L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada

L’Anse aux Meadows is one of the most popular sites of a Viking settlement for two reasons: first, it is the sole confirmed location of Norse settlement outside of Greenland; second, it is the farthest-known location of European explorers. Located in Newfoundland, the settlement was first discovered by a Norwegian archaeologist and explorer and was dated to around 1,000 years ago. The origin of the village name remains unclear.

#9. Stone Age Tunnels

Running from Scotland to Turkey, this vast network of underground tunnels was found under Neolithic settlements all over the continent. Some experts believe that the network of underground tunnels served as protection from predators living aboveground while others believe that it was a safe means of transportation. What its real purpose is remains a mystery today.

#10. Giant stone spheres, Costa Rica

The giant stone spheres, known locally as Las Bolas, are the most popular sculptures made by the Diquis culture during the Isthmo-Colombian era. Most of the spheres were made from gabbro (equivalent to basalt), while others were made from limestone or sandstone. Believed to have been created before the Spanish occupation of Costa Rica, the spheres were rediscovered when workers were clearing parts of the jungle to make way for banana plantations. Legend has it that the spheres were from Atlantis; another version claims that the spheres were Tara’s, the god of thunder, cannonballs.