10 Ancient Mysteries That Have Baffled People for Centuries

For decades, humans have tried to understand ancient history and civilizations. Archeologists have made essential discoveries helping humans gain insight into the planet and those humans who lived centuries ago. While some ancient mysteries have led to groundbreaking finds, others have resulted in more questions.

Certain mysteries still puzzle the most brilliant minds. Specific moments, tools, and rituals are still unknown to humans today. Archeologists have spent years trying to crack these strange mysteries. Perhaps a genius-level scientist will one day crack the code, finally solving the planet’s greatest puzzles. Or maybe these ancient mysteries might remain unsolved forever. Here’s a look at 10 mind-bending ancient mysteries humans are still trying to solve.

1. The Lost Labyrinth of Ancient Egypt

The ancient Greek historian Herodotus is one of history’s most reliable sources. His texts and writings provide accurate descriptions of many locations and events throughout history. So everyone took notice when he wrote about a massive labyrinth beneath the pyramids in ancient Egypt. The lost labyrinth of ancient Egypt has baffled scholars for centuries. Many even doubted Herodotus’ claims of the city.

In the 5th century BC, Herodotus wrote about the labyrinth in Histories Book II. He claimed to see the labyrinth with his own eyes and described it as a massive temple with 3,000 rooms, paintings, and ancient hieroglyphs. Several other historians claimed they visited at various times. They all describe the maze beneath the pyramids the same. Archeologists speculate that a labyrinth discovered in Hawara beneath a pyramid is the lost labyrinth of ancient Egypt, but it’s never been confirmed. 

2. Nazca Lines

Located in the Nazca Desert in Peru, the geoglyph Nazca lines is one of the greatest ancient mysteries. Created between 500 BCE and 500 CE, the Nazca people made the lines by removing large pebbles, making superficial incisions, and leaving behind different colors of sand. The complex lines and designs resemble various animals, including a monkey, hummingbird, spider, and dog. The purpose of the lines is still a mystery.

Some believe the Nazca used the lines to keep track of the sun, moon, and planets. A controversial theory proposed that aliens known as ancient astronauts arrived early during prehistoric times and used the geoglyph for direction. 

3. Bimini Road and the Lost City of Atlantis 

In 1938, clairvoyant Edgar Cayce claimed that a portion of Atlantis’ temples would be discovered under the seawater near Bimini. Furthermore, he believed the rise of Atlantis would occur around 1968 or 69. In 1968, archaeologist Joseph Mason found a paved road under the water near the North Bimbi Islands in the Bahamas.

Known as Bimini Road, speculation arose that the pathway was the one from Cayce’s Atlantis vision. Many experts believe Bimini road leads to the lost city, although scientists note there isn’t enough evidence to support that theory. Bimini road remains one of the greatest ancient mysteries of the modern world. 

4. Machu Picchu 

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III discovered the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Bingham wasn’t the first to visit the breathtaking citadel, although he brought the iconic site to international attention. Located in Peru, evidence suggests Incan Emperor Pachacuti ordered the construction of the property to use as a retreat.

It also appears the Incas used the location from 1420 to 1530 AD. Around the time of the Spanish Conquest, the Incas abandoned Machu Picchu. The surrounding jungle engulfed the site hiding it from the rest of the world. Only locals knew the way to the historic yet mysterious location. 

5. Alexander the Great Burial Site

Alexander The Great was a powerful ruler, commander, and King of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. His death in 323 BC in Babylon would lead to one of the greatest ancient mysteries. Before his death, he requested his final burial place be the Temple of Amun in Egypt. With his body on its way to Egypt in a gold casket, Alexander’s general and friend Ptolemy stole the casket.

He intended to bury Alexander’s body in the city of Alexandria instead. From this point, history becomes unclear, and Alexander’s final resting place remains a puzzling mystery. There have been over a hundred attempts to find the burial site. Researchers predict the discovery of Alexander’s burial site will be one of the most significant archeological findings. 

6. The Historic Mystery Stone

The historic mystery stone still puzzles archeologists since its discovery. In 1872, workers found the stone encased in clay in New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Preserved in the clay casing was the oval-shaped stone. It features nine carvings, notably corn, a face, and a teepee. Furthermore, it also includes unexplainable designs.

If that wasn’t mysterious enough, it also consists of a hole made with a drill-type machine, although the purpose of the stone is still a mystery. Some experts suggest it was a type of compass, but most archeologists are still unsure of the age of the stone or its purpose.

7. The Giant Spheres of Costa Rica

Nothing is more mysterious and puzzling than the giant spheres of Costa Rica. In the 1940s, as United Fruit employees cleared the jungle to build a banana plantation, they stumbled upon a strange discovery. They found roughly 300 spheres of various sizes partially buried in the ground. The smallest sphere was about the size of a basketball, with the largest being eight feet tall and weighing roughly 16 tonnes.

Furthermore, creating the spheres would require tools that didn’t exist at the time. The biggest mystery surrounds the purpose of these spheres. They could have belonged to an ancient civilization or served as a map to Stonehenge. Others speculate they belong to an ancient race of aliens that visited the planet in the prehistoric era. 

8. Puma Punku

In Western Bolivia sits the archaeological site Tiwanaku. The awe-inspiring Puma Punku complex is one of Tiwanaku’s highlights. The compound is a mysterious wonder, with stunning architecture and megalithic structures. Creating intricate designs and buildings like these would require tools not invented for centuries. The ancient civilization even built large stones known as “H Blocks.” Constructed roughly 17,000 years ago, it remains the most puzzling lost city.

9. Nan Madol 

Near the island of Pohnpei is the ancient city of Nan Madol. The Saudeleur dynasty made it the center of their culture and political power. Likely built between 1180 and 1200 AD, the city consisted of manufactured islands connected by a series of canals. The megalithic structure enclosed by stone walls consisted of roughly 100 small islands.

According to myth, twin sorcerer brothers Olisihpa and Olosohpa constructed the ancient city using magic and rituals. The Saudeleur dynasty fell after an invasion led by Isokelekel and the city turned into a ghost town forgotten in time. In 1874, the rediscovery of the lost city became one of the most puzzling mysteries archeologists encountered. 

10. Theopetra Cave 

Located in the village of Theopetra in Greece, the limestone Theopetra Cave is a crucial site in the history of humans. Evidence suggests that humans lived in the cave roughly 50,000 years ago. Furthermore, archeologists discovered proof that cultures from the Middle & Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic ages lived in the cave.

The cave also includes the oldest man-made stone wall, likely built in 21,000 BCE. The ancient civilization that built the wall presumably put it up to defend against the harsh winds at the peak of the Ice Age.