Aug 10, 2024, 07:55 PM IST

5 most enigmatic ancient mysteries that still baffle us

Mahipal Chouhan

Paracas Candelabra, Peru: This massive geoglyph, stretching about 600 feet on a hillside near Peru’s Pisco Bay, dates back to around 200 BC. The purpose of the Paracas Candelabra remains uncertain, with theories suggesting it might have served as a navigational aid or represented a deity’s trident.

Plain of Jars, Laos: Northern Laos is home to thousands of enormous stone jars, some nearly 10 feet tall and weighing tons. Believed to date back to around 1240 BC, their exact use is unknown. While local lore suggests they were giant wine goblets, archaeologists think they were funerary urns. The site is still dangerous due to unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War.

Guanabara Bay, Brazil: In 1982, explorer Robert Marx claimed to have found Roman amphoras in Guanabara Bay, suggesting a Roman presence in Brazil over 1,000 years before the Portuguese arrived. However, his claims are controversial and lack conclusive evidence, leaving the theory in dispute.

Nazca Lines, Peru: These vast geoglyphs, which include straight lines, geometric patterns, and depictions of animals and plants, were discovered in the 1930s. The purpose of these designs, particularly the large figures like the spider and hummingbird, remains a mystery, though some suggest they were related to water rituals.

Stonehenge, England: Built around 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is one of the most iconic prehistoric sites. While its use as a burial site is known and the origins of its stones have been traced, its full purpose, including its religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and therapeutic roles, is still debated.

Machu Picchu, Peru: The famous Incan city of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes, continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists. Although its role as a royal estate or religious site is suggested, the exact reason for its construction and its abandonment remains unclear.

Gobekli Tepe, Turkey: This archaeological site, dating back to around 9600 BC, features massive stone pillars arranged in circles. Its purpose is still debated, with theories ranging from a religious sanctuary to an early social gathering place. The advanced construction techniques of the site add to its mystery.

Easter Island Statues, Chile: The moai statues of Easter Island, which date back to around 1400-1650 AD, are notable for their enormous size and the enigmatic nature of their construction and transportation. The methods used to move and erect these statues are still not fully understood.

This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports