40 Fascinating Historical Photos And Discoveries That Teach Us About The Past

There are a lot of mysteries in the world. In some cases, it takes years of research before experts or scientists are able to explain questions about our past. Understandably, when new discoveries are made, it enhances our understanding of ancient history and helps us see bygone eras in a new light.

Thankfully, we can easily find such intriguing tidbits about the olden days on the “History, Mystery, and Wonders of the World” Facebook group. As the name suggests, this community shares fascinating historical things, events and places from around the world. Keep scrolling, Pandas, to quench your thirst for knowledge.

#1 U.S. Marine Provides Water To A Stray Kitten Found Hiding Under A Knocked Out Japanese Type 95 Ha-Gō Light Tank On The Tarawa Atoll On November 24, 1943

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#2 One Of The Worst Mining Accidents In History, The Fraterville Mine Disaster In Tennessee, Killed Over 200 Miners In 1902

But, according to the website Letters of Note, “for the 26 who survived the initial blast, a side passage of the mine proved to be a safe haven, but not for long—when rescuers eventually reached them, all had suffocated.
Found next to a number of the those 26 bodies were letters to loved ones, one of which can be seen below. It was written by Jacob Vowell to Sarah Ellen, his beloved wife and mother to their 6 children, one of whom, 14-year-old Elbert, was by his side in the mine. (‘Little Eddie’ was a son they had lost previously.)
All but three of Fraterville’s adult men were killed that day; over a hundred women were instantly widowed; close to a thousand children lost their fathers. The Fraterville Mine disaster remains the worst of its kind in Tennessee’s history.”
“Ellen, darling, goodbye for us both. Elbert said the Lord has saved him. We are all praying for air to support us, but it is getting so bad without any air. Ellen I want you to live right and come to heaven. Raise the children the best you can. Oh how I wish to be with you, goodbye. Bury me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddie. Godbye Ellen, goodbye Lily, goodbye Jemmie, goodbye Horace. We are together. Is 25 minutes after two. There is a few of us alive yet. Jake and Elbert Oh God for one more breath. Ellen remember me as long as you live Goodbye darling”

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#3 A Boy Sits Reading In A Bombed Bookstore, London, 1940

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

There are a lot of mysteries in the world. In some cases, it takes years of research before experts or scientists are able to explain questions about our past. Understandably, when new discoveries are made, it enhances our understanding of ancient history and helps us see bygone eras in a new light.

Thankfully, we can easily find such intriguing tidbits about the olden days on the “History, Mystery, and Wonders of the World” Facebook group. As the name suggests, this community shares fascinating historical things, events and places from around the world. Keep scrolling, Pandas, to quench your thirst for knowledge.

#4 Portrait Of Life’s First Hired And First Female Staff Photographer, Margaret Bourke-White. She Was On Assignment In Algeria, Standing In Front Of Flying Fortress Bomber In Which She Made Combat Mission Photographs Of The U.S. Attack On Tunis, 1943

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#5 Before And After The Excavation And Restoration Of The Great Ziggurat Of Ur, Built Approximately 4000 Years Ago

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#6 Gavrinis Is A Small Island In The Gulf Of Morbihan In Brittany, France. It Contains The Gavrinis Tomb, A Neolithic Passage Tomb Built Around 4200–4000 Bc, Making It One Of The World’s Oldest Surviving Buildings

Stones inside the passage and chamber are covered in megalithic art. It is likened to other Neolithic passage tombs such as Barnenez in Brittany and Newgrange in Ireland

As humans, we are often captivated by mysterious things around us as they challenge our understanding of the world. In some cases, we even tend to believe popular “explanations” that defy logic. And sometimes we come up with our own narratives.

For instance, there are theories that believe aircraft and ships disappear in the Bermuda Triangle because of aliens. For years, there have been speculations about mysterious disappearances of things in Bermuda. It is unclear how many specific vessels have vanished, though. The most widely used estimate is 20 aircraft and 50 ships.

#7 Soldiers Wearing Gas Masks While Peeling Onions At Tobruk, 15 October 1941

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#8 Re-Excavation Of Lamassu, Kursbad, Iraq; Assyrian Deity Depicted With Human, Avian, And Bovine Or Leonine Elements. The City Was A New Capital Built By King Sargon II In 721 Bc

Head was stolen in 1995, but was recovered. Buried to protect it from ISIS in 2015 they destroyed the city.

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#9 This Exceptional Babylonian Clay Tablet World Map Stands As The First Documented World Map In History. The Script On The Map Is Inscribed In Akkadian Cuneiform, Dating Back To The 6th Century Bce

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On the other hand, scientists have linked these incidents to natural occurrences such as unusual weather patterns and rogue waves. The Bermuda Triangle is located in an area of the Atlantic Ocean where storms from multiple directions can converge. This can cause massive waves that can reach heights of up to 30.5 meters (100 feet).

#10 Nice View Of The Temple Of Hatshepsut A Mortuary Temple Built During The Reign Of Pharaoh Hatshepsut Of The Eighteenth Dynasty Of Egypt (1550 Bce – 1290 Bce). A Masterpiece Of Ancient Architecture

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#11 Derveni Krater; A Masterpiece Of Hellenistic Art, Thessaloniki, 4th C. Bc

The Derveni Krater exhibited at the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of the most elaborate metal vessels from ancient Greece yet discovered. Found in 1962 in an undisturbed Macedonian tomb of the late 4th century B.C. at Derveni not far from Thessaloniki, the krater is a tour de force of highly sophisticated methods of bronze working.

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#12 The Best Preserved And Most Intact Lorica Segmentata Roman Armour In Existence. This Armour Discovered In Corbridge Roman Town Near Hadrian’s Wall Is Of International Importance

The armour type consisted of metal strips fashioned into bands, fastened to internal leather and straps and external straps with buckles. This armour provided mobility as it moved with the solider on his torso, all of the parts would move in synchronous movement.
These types of armor was used from about 14 BC to late 3rd Century AD. The Lorica Segmentata was used throughout the Roman Empire, but the mail armor Lorica Hamata may have been more commonly seen and used.

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

With over 200k curious fans, the Facebook group “History, Mystery, and Wonders of the World” often shares historical pics, archeological discoveries, among other captivating information.

Their posts will remind you that while we may know some truths about our past, there are always more mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Some of these pictures even showcase the ingenuity and skill of ancient people.

#13 The Goshen, Indiana Farm Boy Here Again Among His Chickens With A Toy Wheel Barrow That He Might Have Used To Deliver Corn To Feed Them. 1930s Or 1940s

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#14 Learning How To Swim In The 1920s

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#15 The Soldiers Fed The Polar Bears With Condensed Milk Tins. Soviet Union, 1950

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The engineering achievements and the precision of the pyramids of Giza, which were built without the help of modern technology like excavators and bulldozers, still baffle a lot of people. The ancient complex was constructed between 2550 and 2490 B.C.

National Geographic points out, “Scientists and engineers are still debating exactly how the pyramids were constructed. It’s generally believed that the Egyptians moved massive stone blocks to the heights along large ramps, greased by water or wet clay, using a system of sledges, ropes, rollers, and levers.”

#16 A Mother Teaching Her Daughter How To Use A Spinning Wheel, Ireland – 1904

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#17 The Pyramid Of The Niches Is A Stunning Architectural Feat Located In The Ancient City Of El Tajín, Veracruz, Mexico

This six-tiered pyramid, built by the Totonac civilization around 800-1200 CE, is renowned for its unique design featuring 365 niches, believed to symbolize the days of the solar year.
Standing approximately 20 meters tall, the structure showcases intricate stone carvings and a harmonious blend of function and artistry, reflecting the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of its builders.
The Pyramid of the Niches remains a testament to the cultural and historical richness of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica…

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#18 Bronze Age Frescoes From Knossos (In Crete) , Thera (Santorini) And Mycenae (In Peloponnese); 17th – 13th Century Bc

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The Lost City of Atlantis is one of the most famous unsolved mysteries from the past. It is believed that a city called Atlantis, which flourished approximately 9,000 years before Plato’s time, was completely destroyed in a single day and night of catastrophic earthquakes and floods.

Even though extensive efforts were made to locate the city, it was never found. Even today, this mystery sparks countless explorations as amateur enthusiasts and professional researchers try to locate the legendary lost city.

#19 Audi Workers Demonstrating The Body Strength Of The Audi 920 (1938)

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#20 The Koh Ker Pyramid, Located In Cambodia, Standing At Over 35 Meters Tall, It’s One Of The Largest Pyramid Structures In Southeast Asia

Built in the 10th century during the reign of King Jayavarman IV, it served as the state temple of the Khmer Empire for a brief period.
Today, it remains a remarkable archaeological site, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance…

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#21 This Shot Shows More Than 7,000 Bags Of Gold And Silver That Had Been Looted By The Germans During The War. It Was Stored Here, Inside The Merkers Salt Mine In Germany And Discovered On April 8, 1945. Included In This Discovery Was 8,198 Bars Of Gold Bullion And 2.76 Billion Reichsmarks

Treasure Hunters Still Searching for WW2 Gold

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Before Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, most people were unaware of the ancient Incan metropolis located in the Andes Mountains. However, the purpose and function of the place are a mystery to date.

According to many modern archaeologists, it was built as a residence for Inca ruler Pachacuti (1438–1472). But there are other theories about the site’s purpose, including that it is a sacred religious site or even a ceremonial center.

#22 New York City 1940s

#23 Interior Of Helmbold’s Drug Store, On Broadway Near Prince St. It Is A Prime Example Of The Victorian Age. The Picture Is From 1886!

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#24 Marveling At The Breathtaking View Of The Pyramid Of The Sun At Teotihuacan

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Such historical enigmas often show us that our past is so much more than a series of known facts. With advancements in technology and significant scientific progress, there is so much more we can learn and understand about our past.

For instance, ancient civilizations that are buried deep beneath the earth are not visible to the naked eye. However, with the help of satellite imaging, experts are able to uncover hidden archaeological sites.

#25 An Ostrich Carriage Being Stopped By The Police For Crossing The Speed Limit, Los Angeles, 1930s

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#26 Large Epitaphic Attic Geometric Amphora (Large Closed Vessel With Two Vertical Handles For Transporting Or Storing Liquid Or Solid Products), With A Scene Of Burial And Mourning

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#27 The Children Had To Cross The River Using Pulleys On Their Way To School In The Outskirts Of Modena, Italy!! (1959)

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#28 Cleopatra’s Pool

Ancient Pool in Pamuccale: An Essential Historical Treasure. Description: The Ancient Pool in Pamuccale, also known as the Cleopatra’s Pool, is a magical place that combines history, natural beauty and ancient legends. Immerse yourself in the hot springs of this historic treasure and be captivated by its timeless charm

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Similarly, DNA analysis has helped researchers understand the connection between ancient populations and the patterns of human migration. We are able to restore historical artifacts without worrying about physically damaging them because of digital technology like 3D modeling.

Are you someone who enjoys solving the mysteries of the past? Or do you enjoy looking at intriguing historical posts? Do tell us which one of these was your favorite, and don’t forget to upvote it.

#29 A Roman Mosaic Portion Showing A Medallion Of The Personification Of Spring. This Was Made In Carthage (Modern Day Tunisia) In The 4th Century Ad And Is On Display In The British Museum In London, England

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#30 Bronze Painted Wild-Goose And Fish Lamp The Lamp, Used During The Han Dynasty 2000 Years Ago

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#31 The Fairy Chimneys In Cappadocia, Turkey, Are A Surreal Natural Wonder. These Unique Rock Formations, Sculpted By Volcanic Activity And Erosion Over Thousands Of Years, Create An Otherworldly Landscape

The tall, thin spires, some of which reach up to 130 feet, are often topped with harder rock caps, resembling whimsical chimneys or mushrooms.
This geological marvel, combined with the region’s ancient cave dwellings and vibrant hot air balloon scene, makes Cappadocia a captivating destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and historical intrigue…

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#32 Ancient Roman Arches At The Base Of The Palatine Hill In Rome, Next To The Forum

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#33 A Roman Denarius Of Julius Caesar, After Whom The Month Of July Is Named, As Imperator In Front Of An Eight Rayed Star

This was minted in Rome at the beginning of 44 BC shortly before his assassination

#34 Sword From The Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo Ship-Burial, Dates To Approximately 620 Ad; Suffolk, England

This sword is one of the many artifacts discovered in the Sutton Hoo ship-burial, which is thought to have belonged to one of four East Anglian kings: Eorpwald, Raedwald and co-regents Ecric, and Sigebert.
The artifacts of this burial were chosen to reflect the high rank of the king, and to equip him for the Afterlife

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#35 Menhir De Kerhouezel – Brittany – France

Georges Guénin relates in his book “Legend Stones of Brittany” ( 1936 ) :
“According to a fisherman from Lanildut, Mr. Masson, the great menhir of Kereneur, over 6 m high, would turn on itself and go swimming at the sea. I could know neither the hours nor the days when the stone would perform such curious acts.”
This massive prehistoric menhir still stands today!

#36 The World Trade Center Under Construction, March 1972

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#37 Roma Settlement Along Ogden Avenue In Lyons, Illinois. Early 1900s

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#38 The Gate Of The Sun In 1971

The monument is a monolithic gateway at the site of Tiahuanaco by the Tiwanaku culture, an Andean civilization of Bolivia that thrived around Lake Titicaca in the Andes of western South America around 500-950 AD.

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#39 Haldi (Khaldi) Was The Supreme God Of The Urartian Pantheon, And There Was A Temple Dedicated To Him At Ancient Erebuni. Bas Relief Reconstruction, K Gianjian. (Erebuni Historical And Archaeological Culture Preserve, Yerevan.)

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

#40 Antiochus I Theos Maintained His Legitimacy As A Persian King Via His Connection To Darius I

But expanded this by claiming direct descent, through his mother Laodice VII Thea (b. c. 122 BCE), from Seleucus I Nicator (r. 305-281 BCE), founder of the Seleucid Empire, and Ptolemy I Soter (r. 305/304-282 BCE) of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt, as well as others who had served as generals of Alexander the Great. He thereby established himself as a Greco-Persian monarch and assumed the title of ‘Antiochus, the just god, friend of Romans and Greeks’, which pleased Rome while, at the same time, arranging the marriage of his daughter, Laodice, to King Orodes II of Parthia (r. 57-37 BCE) and securing peace with the east.

Image credits: History, Mystery and Wonders of the World

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Author: Mantas Kačerauskas