7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World
By : Kashmik Singh Chouhan
From lost civilizations to unexplained monuments, these 7 ancient mysteries continue to baffle historians and archaeologists.
How were the pyramids built with such precision? The methods remain a mystery despite numerous theories.
1. The Pyramids of Egypt
The purpose of Stonehenge—whether an observatory or religious site—is still unknown.
2. Stonehenge
Atlantis, a legendary civilization said to have sunk, has never been found, leaving its existence in question.
3. The Lost City of Atlantis
How were the massive Moai statues transported across the island without modern tools?
4. Easter Island's Moai Statues
Massive geoglyphs in Peru, visible only from the sky, remain unexplained in purpose and creation.
5. The Nazca Lines
The origins and purpose of the Great Sphinx, with its lion body and human head, remain unclear.
6. The Sphinx of Giza
The advanced Indus Valley civilization's writing system and sudden disappearance are still unsolved.
7. The Indus Valley Civilization
These mysteries challenge us to explore further, keeping the secrets of ancient times alive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Mystery of the Great Sphinx of Giza: Who built the massive ancient limestone statue?
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and mysterious monuments. This prehistoric limestone statue, which has the body of a lion and the face of a man, has been the subject of research and mystery for historians, archaeologists, and travellers for centuries. Located on the Giza Plateau near modern-day Cairo, near the famous pyramids, the Sphinx is more than just a stone figure, as it represents a powerful symbol of kingship and divine protection in ancient Egyptian culture. While many admire its grandeur, a poignant question has long been on people's minds, as there has been a long-lasting speculation about who built the Great Sphinx. Who built the Great Sphinx of Giza? Most historians believe that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from around 2575 to 2465 BCE during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. This theory is supported by both archaeological and stylistic evidence. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the Sphinx 'likely dates from the reign of King Khafre' and may even depict his face. The Sphinx was carved directly from a single limestone ridge on the Giza Plateau. One of the most striking features of the statue is that its body lies in the shape of a reclining lion with a human head wearing a royal headdress, believed to symbolise the pharaoh's power. The monument measures about 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high, making it one of the largest sculptures in the world carved from a single piece of stone However, not everyone agrees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Some researchers argue that the Sphinx might have been built by Khafre's older brother, Redjedef (Djedefre), as a tribute to their father, Khufu. This view comes from facial studies that suggest the features of the Sphinx resemble Khufu more closely than Khafre. Despite the debate, most modern Egyptologists favour the Khafre theory due to the statue's proximity to his pyramid and the architectural harmony of the complex. The mystery of the Sphinx's missing nose has added to its mystery, but illustrations predating Napoleon's arrival in Egypt show the nose was already missing, suggesting other causes of damage over time What makes the Sphinx mysterious? The mystery surrounding the Great Sphinx of Giza deepens when considering the erosion patterns on its surface. Unlike the typical effects of wind and sand seen elsewhere in Egypt, the Sphinx shows signs of water erosion in the form of deep vertical grooves and fissures, especially along its lower body and the walls of its enclosure. These patterns suggest long-term exposure to rainfall and water runoff, which is not something to expect in Egypt's dry climate today. Geologist Dr. Robert Schoch argues that this kind of erosion could only have occurred during a much wetter time, possibly around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. If that's true, it means the Sphinx may be far older than traditionally believed, predating the rise of the pharaohs and pointing to the possibility of an earlier, unknown civilisation. It is also popularly believed that a lost advanced civilisation may have built the Sphinx, not just as an isolated monument, but as part of a larger network of ancient structures around the world, including Stonehenge and sites in South America. They point to the Sphinx's precise alignment with the cardinal directions and constellations as evidence of deep astronomical knowledge. Though mainstream archaeology doesn't support these alternative theories, the lack of clear ancient Egyptian records about the Sphinx's origins keeps the mystery alive
India Today
28-06-2025
- India Today
Space Junk Explained: What's Orbiting Above Us Right Now?
Space Junk Explained: What's Orbiting Above Us Right Now? By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan More than 34,000 large objects and millions of tiny fragments are circling Earth at 28,000 km/h. Space junk is no longer just a sci-fi issue it's real and growing. Space junk includes dead satellites, rocket parts, tools lost by astronauts, and debris from collisions. Even a paint fleck can cause damage at orbital speeds. What Counts as Space Junk? Junk builds up from satellite breakups, anti-satellite missile tests, leftover rocket boosters, and accidental explosions. Where Does It Come From? – 34,000+ objects >10 cm – 900,000+ fragments 1–10 cm – 128 million particles <1 cm How Much Is Up There? Debris can destroy satellites and threaten the ISS. Space agencies perform collision-avoidance maneuvers regularly. Risks to Satellites & ISS A chain reaction of collisions could trap us on Earth. More junk = more collisions = even more junk. This dangerous feedback loop is a top concern. The Kessler Syndrome Radar, telescopes, and satellites scan the skies 24/7. When needed, alerts are sent to move spacecraft out of harm's way. How It's Tracked Laser brooms, harpoons, drag nets, and robotic arms are being tested to clean orbit. Most are still in the early stages. Cleanup Ideas The UN and space agencies now require satellites to plan safe disposal. Some new tech burns up after use. What's Being Done? Space is not endless when it comes to orbits. Managing space debris now means safer missions, cleaner skies, and a future for space exploration.
India Today
25-06-2025
- India Today
7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World
7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World By : Kashmik Singh Chouhan From lost civilizations to unexplained monuments, these 7 ancient mysteries continue to baffle historians and archaeologists. How were the pyramids built with such precision? The methods remain a mystery despite numerous theories. 1. The Pyramids of Egypt The purpose of Stonehenge—whether an observatory or religious site—is still unknown. 2. Stonehenge Atlantis, a legendary civilization said to have sunk, has never been found, leaving its existence in question. 3. The Lost City of Atlantis How were the massive Moai statues transported across the island without modern tools? 4. Easter Island's Moai Statues Massive geoglyphs in Peru, visible only from the sky, remain unexplained in purpose and creation. 5. The Nazca Lines The origins and purpose of the Great Sphinx, with its lion body and human head, remain unclear. 6. The Sphinx of Giza The advanced Indus Valley civilization's writing system and sudden disappearance are still unsolved. 7. The Indus Valley Civilization These mysteries challenge us to explore further, keeping the secrets of ancient times alive.
