This article was originally published on 24/7Mirror
2000 Year-Old Glass Mosaics
Believe it or not, the glass mosaic in this picture is over 2,000 years old. Discovered in the ancient city of Zeugma, Turkey, back in 2000, the excavation was prompted over fears the ancient site would be flooded - and a good job too, because this find is incredible! Apparently, the faces depicted in this mosaic are the nine muses, with muse Calliope in the center. These were also known as the goddesses that inspired literature, science, and the arts.
Archeologists say this mosaic would have formed the floor of a Roman house and was purely the product of the patron’s imagination. As such, it's likely its owner was somewhat intellectual and would have been well-versed in the literature of the day.
Ice Age Drawings
Truthfully, this image doesn't do this 8-mile long "canvas" justice. Amazingly, this masterpiece, located in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, was created back in the ice age using ochre, a red pigment often used as paint in the ancient world. But, take a closer look at those intricate drawings; if you look carefully, you can see depictions of animals that have long been extinct. Most notably, mastodons and giant sloths!
This tapestry also includes handprints, geometric designs, and well-known animals including deer, monkeys, turtles, serpents, tapirs, alligators, bats, porcupines, and horses. That's as well as scenes of humans interacting with nature.
A 3,400 Year Old Paint Palette
This ancient Egyptian painter's palette is estimated to be around 3,400 years old and from the Amenhotep III era. According to archeologists, various inscriptions at the top of the palette indicate who was reigning at that time. It's made out of a single piece of ivory and is so well preserved that you can still see paint pigments in each of the six wells. As you may have already guessed, each well would have contained a different color, most likely: blue, green, yellow, red, black, and brownish pigments.
Astonishingly, this painting tool isn't too dissimilar from the kinds of paint palettes artists use today. It's incredible to think that some things don't change! This piece is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Caligula's Ring
This sapphire ring is estimated to be around 2,000 years old, and if that wasn't intriguing enough, archeologists believe it may have belonged to the tyrannical Roman emperor Caligula. The woman depicted in the ring's design is thought to be his fourth and final wife, Caesonia. Their love affair was famously passionate, so it's no wonder he commissioned a ring with her portrait etched into it. When you consider how old this artifact is, the detailing is truly incredible!
It's also worth noting that sapphires are exceptionally hard. As such, it would have taken incredible skill to cut, polish, and carve this delicate portrait, which only adds to the ring's prestige.
Michelangelo's Moses Proves His Knowledge of Anatomy Was Beyond Belief
This magnificent marble sculpture depicts Moses. Here, he's nearly eight feet tall and has a very intense look in his eyes, which is no wonder when you consider he's carrying the Ten Commandments he's just received from God. That's somewhat of a responsibility, right? Created between 1513–15 AD, this work of art showcases Michelangelo's incredible knowledge of anatomy. Although this sculpture boasts tons of intricate details, one of the most impressive has to be the tiny muscle on the forearm.
When we lift our little fingers, this muscle contracts and appears, whereas when it's relaxed, it's invisible. Take a closer look at Moses's forearms. See? He's lifting his little finger, and Michelangelo has included this tiny muscle in his sculpture- talk about attention to detail!
Mammoth Bone Huts
Back in 1965, excavations in Mezhyrich, Ukraine, stumbled across four circular pre-historic huts. Measuring 40-foot wide, these structures were made out of 149 mammoth bones taken from an estimated 95 mammoths. These shelters are said to be around 25,000 years old, making them some of the oldest dwellings known to man. Curving mammoth tusks were used as arching supports for the roof and porch; with some even remaining in the socket of the mammoth skull!
Interestingly, the gnawing marks of carnivores are visible, suggesting these bones were scavenged rather than hunted for. These enormous skulls would need dragging to their final destination, which would have been a huge ordeal - as the smallest skull weighed a whopping one hundred kilograms.
A Two Thousand Year Old Boot
This Scythian woman's boot is estimated to be around 2,300 years old. Yes, we know what you're thinking - these days, it's hard enough to find a decent pair of boots that last a couple of years, let alone a couple of millennia! Thanks to the sub-zero temperatures in the Scythian burial mound located in the Altai Mountains, where this boot was found, this artifact has been immaculately preserved in the frozen ground.
This leather boot wrapped in red cloth and boasting tin, pyrite crystal, gold foil, and glass bead trim, can be viewed in the State Hermitage Museum, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Ceramic Maya Figurine
This Ceramic Mayan Figurine, found in El Perú-Waka', Petén, Guatemala, is estimated to be 1,500 years old, with some describing this model as the world's oldest action figure. Astoundingly, this figure even boasts a removable helmet! Even more interesting is that this figurine is one of 23, said to have been arranged in a circle by mourners in a royal tomb. Apparently, this depicted the deceased king accompanied by his animal spirit companion—a magical deer.
But, turning our attention back to this specific figurine, apparently, it depicts a dwarf that would engage in ritual boxing to bring about rainy weather. The rain was crucial for a healthy crop yield, and ultimately the survival of the Mayan people.
Galileo's Moon Drawings
After Galileo Galilei studied the moon through his telescope in 1609, he created the first-ever drawings of the moon. These six watercolors depict the moon's various phases from November through to December 1609. The detail is nothing short of impeccable! As these pictures show, Galileo was able to argue that mountains and valleys exist on the moon, which at the time was revolutionary. During Galileo's time, Aristotelian doctrine suggested that celestial bodies were spherical and smooth.
Needless to say, Galileo's detailed studies clearly contradicted this view, and as such, played a significant role in pushing the fields of science and astronomy forward. How incredible is that?!
The Veiled Christ
The Veiled Christ is a stunning marble sculpture created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753. Currently, this masterpiece is exhibited in the Cappella Sansevero in Naples. To say this sculpture boasts incredible detail is an understatement. In fact, the intricacies of this statue are quite literally legendary, with some saying the sculpture was covered by an actual veil that gradually transformed into marble via chemical processes. Aside from that, the detailing is meticulous.
Just look at the intricate carvings of the sculpture's face, the nail holes, and the wounds that would have been visible on Jesus' body according to scripture. The attention to detail is nothing short of astounding.
Ancient Windmills
Crafted out of natural clay, straw, and wood, the windmills in this picture have successfully milled grain to create flour for roughly a millennium. Some of these structures still spin today! Similar to windmills invented by the Persians around 500 C.E, these windmills also have a vertical axis design. A model that soon spread throughout the globe and was later adopted by the famous windmills the Dutch are so well-known for.
These windmills, a recognized national heritage site, are located in the tiny village of Nashtifan, Iran, and are looked after by Mohammad Etebari. Although elderly, he's the last keeper of the windmills and has dedicated his entire life to keeping these ancient contraptions spinning.
Prague's Astrological Clock
Made in 1410, Prague's beautiful astrological clock is the oldest functioning clock in the world. But, not only does it tell the time, but it also provides the date and astronomical and zodiacal info. But, arguably, the best thing about this clock is that every hour between 9 am and 9 pm, two doors open, and the statues inside it come to life - which is incredibly entertaining for onlookers.
These animated figurines are said to represent greed, vanity, and death. Could you just imagine how astounding a show this would have been during the Middle Ages? After all, it's still a joy to watch today!
Ancient Brain Surgery
Apparently, brain surgery isn't unique to modern medical practice. This skull suggests that cranioplasty was successfully undertaken in Peru as early as 400 CE. For the uninitiated, a cranioplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to correct a defective bone in the skull. Architects believe the patient survived this major operation- despite a lack of anesthesia or anesthetics! Experts suspect this because of the well-healed scar made from a gold inlay.
For those interested in seeing this artifact for themselves, it's currently on display at the Gold Museum of Peru and Weapons of the World in Lima. Needless to say, it's well worth a look!
A 17th Century Tent That's Gone The Distance
This 17th-century Ottoman tent has really stood the test of time. It's an astounding twenty meters long, eight meters wide, and six meters high. This tent can now be seen at the Turkish Chamber in the Dresden Armory, where visitors can also view equestrian horse saddles, armor, and weapons. This tent is made out of three masts, satin, cotton, silk, and gilded leather. Interestingly, this tent took as long as 14 years to restore to its former glory.
Visitors have said that standing in the tent and looking up is a bit like looking at a 'second sky of gold and silk' and given how beautiful it looks in the picture, we can well believe it!
This Hercules Armor
Emperor Maximilian II of Austria's Hercules armor was made centuries ago in 1555 and still survives today. This design was typical in Flanders and northern France during the 1550s and 1560s, and the detailing is nothing short of exquisite. If you look at the armor closely, you can see that it's covered with beautiful mythological scenes and other embellishments - including historical precursors, alleged ancestors, and symbols of the Catholic faith.
It's said these motives were used deliberately to symbolize his claim to the Habsburg Empire under Emperor Charles V.For those interested in seeing this gorgeous armor for themselves; it's currently on display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
A Beautiful Fish Bowl
This beautiful bowl sporting a quirky fish design was found in Iran. Architects believe this gorgeous creation is probably Kashan, i.e., late 13th to the mid-14th century. A stunning turquoise glaze is used as a backdrop to a school of blackfish swimming anticlockwise in unison to form a rosette in the middle of the bowl. Here, the glaze pools to create a deeper blue. The aquatic effect of the bowl only heightens when filled with water.
For anyone wanting to see this piece in the flesh, it's a longstanding exhibit in the Hossein Afshar Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it remains on display today.
Abuna Yemata Guh
Do you see the red circle in the picture? That's the entrance to Abuna Yemata Guh, a monolithic church in Ethiopia's Tigray Region. Located 2,580 meters high, there's no other way to access this church other than with a local guide and a harness! As well as its awe-inspiring location, the church is also famous for its ancient wall paintings (as seen in the picture). Some of these date as far back as the fifth century.
This specific example depicts the Apostles, Moses, Paul, Peter, and Thomas. According to archeologists, the men in the wall art could be identified via the descriptions in Geez calligraphic script.
A Viking Era Ring
Dating back to the Viking era, this gorgeous ring was found in a woman's grave. This woman is believed to have been buried 1,200 years ago in Birka, located 25 kilometers west of what we know today as Stockholm. This high-grade silver alloy ring is set with a violet stone, which tests suggest is actually colored glass. Astonishingly, Arabic Kufic writing can still be seen inscribed into the glass. when translated, the inscription says 'for Allah.'
Not only is this a gorgeous piece of immaculately preserved jewelry, but it also provides unique evidence that there was likely direct contact between the Vikings and the Abbasid Caliphate - how cool is that?!
Ancient Face Cream
Yes, you read correctly. In the picture is a 2000-year-old face lotion. Dating back to Roman times, this might be the oldest face cream in the world. This artifact was found in a temple dedicated to the Roman God, Mars, in Southwark, London. Some architects speculate the white cream could have been face paint applied as a part of ritual ceremonies. Apparently, when excavators opened the metal tin, a sulfurous odor emanated from the lotion.
But, most astonishingly, if you look closely, you can even see finger marks in both the lotion and the pot's lid - which only adds to the rarity of the find!
A Roman ‘Beware of Dog’ Sign
Beware of the dog signs aren't a modern-day thing. Instead, evidence shows they date as far as back as 2,000 years ago. For example, the text in this mosaic, "Cave Canem,” roughly translated to "beware dog." This mosaic was created sometime during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and can still be found in Pompeii, Italy. It's located in front of what was once a Roman poet's house. How neat is that?
Fun fact: There are a few theories online that suggest this mosaic is a joke. The dog seems to have a friendly face and is adopting a play bow stance; as such, some believe this artwork is ironic rather than literal.
Octopus Samurai Helmet
This Octopus-shaped Samurai helmet (also known as a kabuto) was made back in the 1700s in Japan. The detailing is incredible -more specifically the tentacles and the way the legs weave around the helmet are fascinating. Experts say that samurais wore helmets representing deities for protection. As such, some suggest the creature depicted here is likely Akkorokamui, a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore. 28 steel plates were used to craft the bowl of the helmet.
And five steel plates covered in lacquered leather, stitched together using silk thread, create the neck guard. This helmet is currently on display in the Stibbert Museum's Japanese armory section in Florence, Italy.
An Ancient Egyptian Ring
Nope, this isn't something from a local jewelry store. This ancient Egyptian ring was likely made during the third intermediate period (1070–712 BC). It comprises a gold band and carnelian bezel that's clearly shaped like a cat. It's astonishing that thousands of years later, we can still make out the intricacies of this piece of jewelry. Also, apparently, underneath the cat, there's an Eye of Horus, which was used as a protective amulet during ancient Egypt.
For those who want to see this ancient ring for themselves, it's currently housed in the British Museum, although it's unclear whether this piece was on display at the time of writing.
Sculpture of Death
You would be forgiven for mistaking this for some sort of sassy skeleton or an intricate piece of Halloween decor. But, instead, this small figure is said to be a sculpture of death, made in 1520 Germany. Interestingly, death in this era of German art was often depicted with a bow, arrow, or throwing arrow, all of which symbolize the swiftness of death - and here we see the skeleton holding a bow.
Apparently, this piece is on display in the Museum for sepulchral culture in Germany, a museum dedicated to the cultural history of Weinbergstrasse in Kassel - however, this claim was difficult to substantiate.
This Ratto Di Proserpina Sculpture Is 400 Years Old
Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a well-known patron of the arts, The "Ratto di Proserpina" is a sizeable Baroque sculptural group made out of marble. It's an excellent example of the kind of intricate detail Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini was able to achieve. For instance, take a look at the realistic indentations where the fingertips of the man's hand sink into the woman's skin - the marble looks fluid!
This statue was said to be completed sometime between 1621 and 1622, which meant Bernini would have only been 23 years old! Today it's proudly on display at the Galleria Borghese in Rome.
They Sure Knew How to Build Walls in the Inca Empire
The quality of the master stonemasonry used to create this Incan wall is second to none. This wall is believed to have been made in Cuzco during the 1400s and still stands proudly today. This place is steeped in history, so it's no wonder Cuzco was granted a UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. Allegedly, one of the reasons this magnificent wall is still with us today is that there's no mortar. Like other Inca sites, the walls are constructed out of massive, irregularly-shaped boulders.
These fit a bit like a jigsaw puzzle without the need for extra support. Consequently, the wall can withstand significant earthquakes - the structure just shakes and then settles back into its original form - how clever is that?!
Mourning Attire That Stands The Test of Time
Just like the boots we showed you ealier, it's hard to find apparel that lasts - let alone a whole outfit. It's safe to say, these mourning clothes worn by count Magnus Brahe have certainly stood the test of time! Interestingly, the count is said to have worn this outfit to the funeral of King Karl XIV Johan of Sweden in 1844. The curved waist, low-lying collar, and buttons are gorgeous and excellently preserved.
Inside the slit of the cuffs, there are three buttons on each side. According to one source, this outfit is kept at Skokloster castle, an ostentatious, private castle situated in Sweden, where Magnus Brahe lived.
A Mosaic Made by Heraclitus
Amazingly this ancient mosaic was created during the second century CE (during the reign of Hadrian). However, it wasn't re-discovered until 1833 in Vigna Lupi on the Aventine Hill. However, you would be forgiven for thinking it was a more contemporary piece, thanks to its fabulous condition. This picture highlights a small detail from the larger "unswept floor" mosaic made by Heraclitus. This small section is of a tiny mouse eating a walnut almost as big as it is.
If you take a closer look, you can see some shading, highlighting the artist's talent. For those that want to see this masterpiece for themselves, it's currently on display at the Vatican Museum.
Hammam Essalihine
Situated 4921 feet above sea level, this Roman bathhouse, called Hammam Essalihine, is roughly 2,000 years old and still used in Khenchela, Algeria. The spa was renovated in both the 14th and 16th centuries. This hidden gem is a protected national historical heritage site. The exceptionally clear waters sit at around 70°C (158 °F) and are rich in minerals. Some believe the waters can even help those with respiratory, rheumatic, and dermatological illnesses.
Most interestingly, even after a couple of millennia that's seen earthquakes and wars, this bathhouse still stands - which speaks to its robust infrastructure! Not only that, but it remains an integral part of people's daily bathing rituals - for both locals and tourists alike.
The Snake and The Skull
Created in 1860 in Japan, this is an incredibly realistic ivory model of a human cranium - even the teeth look worn! But, then, on top of the skull is an intricately carved snake, where every scale is shown. You can also see its tail coiling downwards and then through one of the cheekbones, and if you look closely at the snake's eyes, you can also see that they're inlaid with carnelian.
Sadly, the artist of this creepy masterpiece is unknown, and the dimensions of this work of art measure 11.5 x 12.5 x 14.8 cm and forms part of the AGGV collection.
Ottoman Birdhouses
Check out these elaborate birdhouses. These undoubetedly take the classic birdboxes we hang in our back yards to the next level. Made in the Ottoman era, the models in the picture are said to resemble palaces and mosques in miniature. Typically, these kinds of birdhouses are hung on the exterior walls of important buildings throughout the Ottoman empire - most notably, mosques, inns, libraries, schools, bridges, fountains, etc. Not only are these birdhouses aesthetically pleasing, but they serve a practical purpose too. They catch bird feces, stopping the muck eroding the walls of the building.
Usually, these birdboxes mimick the structures they're attached to and often comprise multiple stories and accommodate all sorts of birds, eggs, and their chicks. Most commonly, pigeons, sparrows, and swallows.
A Lethal Bible
This takes the phrase: 'Holy Smokes!' to new heights. It was made for Francesco Morozini, the Doge of Venice, who lived between 1619 and 1694. During the height of the Great Turkish War, he was the Doge, a particularly turbulent time, which is likely why he commissioned a gun to sit concealed within a bible. The design enabled its owner to tug the silk bookmark to stealthily shoot while the book remained closed.
Just look at how immaculately preserved the Bible is; even the silky edges of the paper still have a glint to them. This weapon is currently displayed at the Museo Correr in Venice, Italy.
Almost 200-Year-Old Stocking
For the modern woman, laddering your tights is a common occurrence. So, we're astounded that these beautifully designed cotton/silk stockings have lasted almost 200 years! We love the gorgeous detailing - most notably, the choice of colors, geometric stripes, and intricate embroidery make these stockings nothing short of sublime. This hosiery forms part of the FIDM Museum's permanent collection, so head there if you wish to see these stockings in person!
Fun fact: Typically, boots would have hidden the lower embroidered part of the stocking. So, that if a woman lifted her skirt, only the horizontal band and blue and yellow stripes could be seen.
A Medieval Gold Ring
What's fascinating about this artifact is that it was discovered by an amateur treasure hunter using their own metal detector. Found in Sherwood Forest, where Robin Hood supposedly frequented, this ring boasts a sapphire stone set on a gold band. If you look closely, a baby is etched into the shoulder on one side of the ring - possibly the Christ child. On the other side, experts believe a female saint is engraved.
Since its discovery, experts have examined the ring and have concluded that they think it dates back to the 14th century and is estimated to have a maximum value of $87,000!
14,000 Year-Old Bison Sculptures
These 14,000-year-old bison sculptures, found in Le Tuc d'Audoubert cave, Ariege, France, were created using clay from the cave's walls. Not only does the sculpture's longevity allude to the quality of the craftsmanship, but so does the impeccable detail. Take a look at the shaggy manes and beards. Archeologists believe the sculptor would have carved these using some sort of tool. However, when it comes to the jaw lines, you can see a tracing of the artists' fingernail - pretty neat, right?
As you can see in the picture, both bison are supported by a rock, and given how old they are, they're unbelievably well preserved. Given the location of these bison, scientists think the sculpture was used in some type of ancient ritual.
You Never Know What You'll Find at Goodwill
Pictured here are two beautiful books donated to Goodwill. First up, the one on the left is a collection of Pliny the Younger’s letters, printed in 1711. These well-renowned letters provide a first-hand account of the eruption of Vesuvius and attitudes towards early Christians - fascinating, right? Then, the one on the right is a school book about Greek Mythology, printed in 1771. The detailing on these books' spines is gorgeous, and they seem to be in excellent condition - what an incredible find!
This just goes to show that you never know what you'll stumble across in charity shops and old bookstores. If you're interested in this sort of thing, Goodwill hosts national auctions where they sell this sort of thing.
An Inuit Otter Amulet
Pictured is an Inuit otter amulet created sometime between 1870 and 1880. This beautiful piece is made out of engraved and pigmented ivory. But, on a more frivolous note, we love how the otter is placing its little hands on its cheeks - how cute is that?! Some report native arctic hunters using amulets like this otter to help guide animals to them. Also, note the delicate rib markings, dots, and drill holes along the spine, tail, and flippers, apparently, these represent the otter's physical and spiritual transformation.
According to architects, amulets like this would have been placed in the hunter's kayaks. See how the otter's hands are cupped around its mouth? It's almost like it's calling out - which is exactly what the hunters would have wanted to attract the otters they wish to catch.
A Roman Toodler's Footprint
No matter the time period, some things remain universal. One such example is that toddlers love to explore - even in places they're not allowed. As is evidenced by this Roman toddler's footprint. You can see it clearly imprinted in this red clay roof tile. Archeologists think the child must have been running around and stepped on this soft, unfired tile while it was air drying, around 2,000 years ago.
This artifact was discovered in what we now know as Vaison-la-Romaine, a small southeastern town in France. Apparently, imprints of animal feet dating back to ancient times are relatively common, but human toes, not so much - which only adds to the uniqueness of this find!
A Crystal Spearhead
This extremely rare crystal spearhead was found in a 5,000-year-old megalithic tomb in Spain. Even more striking is the fact this tomb housed the remains of 25 people - many of which had eaten or drank something poisonous before their demise. Needless to say, this raises more than a few questions as to the events that led up to their deaths. Interestingly, these arrowheads look similar to the flint arrowheads created within the same region and time period.
However, archaeologists say that even more refined and skilled craftsmanship was necessary to form such an arrowhead out of rock crystal. This suggests this artifact would have held some sort of significance where it was laid in the tomb.
A Wagon That Spans Millenia
Have you ever seen a 4000-year-old wagon? Well, now you have. Arguably, this is one of the best-preserved and oldest oak wagons in the world. This beauty was unearthed in Lchashen village, Lake Sevan, Armenia. The wagon pictured here is four-wheeled, and each wheel was crafted using three oak boards and the inner surface would have been covered in fabric. Currently, this wagon can be seen at the History Museum of Armenia.
Apparently, over a dozen four-wheeled, two-wheeled, and folding wheeled wagons were excavated in Lchashen village. That said, just two of them are on display at the History Museum of Armenia.
Chand Baori
This beauty is called Chand Baori, and it is India's largest, deepest stairwell. Located in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan, this stepwell comprises a whopping 3,500 narrow steps across 13 stories. Amazingly, these steps plunge a whopping 30 meters into the ground. Interestingly, the oldest parts of the structure date back to the eighth century. Whereas the newer, upper stories and columned arcade were constructed sometime during the 18th century.
Hundreds of years ago, step-wells just like this one were made in arid locations so that residents could access water all year round. Fast forward to today, and although this structure isn't used to collect water, it remains an incredible feat of architecture.