15 Mysterious Ancient Structures Around the World That Challenge Science

People living on Earth thousands of years ago created monumental and intricately designed structures.

Scientists have spent centuries seeking answers to the questions of who, why, and how these structures were built. Various theories have been proposed, with some even suggesting that they were created by supernatural forces from beyond Earth.

1. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

The mysterious stone pillars in England. (Photo: pixabay.com).

According to local legends, this stone circle was built by the wizard Merlin. In reality, Stonehenge existed long before Merlin, who was a close companion of King Arthur.

How could such massive stones be transported from hundreds of kilometers away? There are no quarries in the vicinity of Stonehenge, which means the stones must have been moved from great distances.

The purpose of this structure remains unclear. Whether it served as an astronomical observatory, aligned with celestial bodies in the solar system, or as a place of worship for Celtic priests, we still do not know exactly who used it and for what purpose.

2. Baalbek, Lebanon

The massive temple in Lebanon has puzzled scientists for centuries. (Photo: Anton Ivanov).

One of the temples in this ancient complex in Lebanon is a remnant of a city that thrived during a single period.

Many questions remain unanswered regarding these ancient temples. The ancient Romans did not possess the technology to transport stones weighing up to 1,000 tons and construct such a massive temple.

The Parthenon in Greece is only half the size of this colossal temple in Lebanon, and the largest stone in the Egyptian pyramids weighs just 90 tons. Many locals believe this temple is the foundation of the great Tower of Babel mentioned in the Bible.

3. Newgrange, Ireland

The ancient structure of Newgrange in Ireland. (Photo: UnaPhoto).

Although a road was built to access this structure in the 17th century, it wasn’t until three centuries later that research began on its mysteries.

Major excavations revealed perfectly circular passages that predate the Egyptian pyramids. In the center, scientists discovered tombs.

If you visit Newgrange, you will witness astronomical events perfectly aligned when viewed from within. The light from the stars fills the chambers. Irish folklore tells that this place is home to leprechauns and fairies.

4. Celtic Burial Mounds, North Caucasus, Russia

The small yet massive burial mounds in Russia. (Photo: mariakraynova).

This is a small mound built with very smooth stone on a hillside. The mound features small openings that can be closed with matching lids. There would be nothing remarkable if these structures did not weigh tons.

What is particularly striking is that these structures are connected so precisely that they do not require beams or any materials for assembly. The dating of this structure goes back 5,000 years.

5. Tikal, Guatemala

The Maya pyramids in Guatemala. (Photo: Simon Dannhauer).

One of the largest Maya settlements, surrounded by lush forests, features artificial ponds, a large field, a playground for folk sports, and a palace.

The most notable aspect of this area is the perfectly square-shaped pyramids. They were built using a temporary yet extremely sturdy and precise method called ‘build-as-you-go.’

Many theories have been proposed to explain their function. Buildings for religious purposes, research, or burial sites are all situated atop the pyramids. The name Tikal means “City of Echoing Whispers.”

6. Stone Labyrinth on Bolshoi Zayatsky Island, Russia

The stone labyrinth on Bolshoi Zayatsky Island is an intriguing destination in Russia. (Photo: Vladimir Sevrinovsky).

Solovetsky Island is adorned with strange stone labyrinths, shaped like spiral staircases. Locals refer to them as “Babylons.” The entrance and exit look identical, so you might exit the labyrinth right where you started.

But before it became a labyrinth and a tourist attraction, what was it? Many scholars suggest it functioned as a trap, while others believe it may have been a site for traditional rituals connecting to the spiritual world.

7. Petra, Jordan

It’s hard to believe that ancient people carved a temple entrance over 900 meters high entirely by hand. (Photo: Pocholo Calapre).

An architectural marvel, standing over 900 meters above sea level, lies hidden within the rocks. The creators must have been incredibly patient to chisel away a massive stone to create such a masterpiece.

This is believed to be the entrance to a temple or an ancient mausoleum. Aside from its creation, researchers still do not know how the ancients managed to carve it, unless they used scaffolding, as it seems impossible to sculpt stone at such heights.

8. Terracotta Army, China

The Terracotta Army is closely tied to the glorious history of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. (Photo: Bule Sky Studio).

The tomb of Qin Shi Huang contains over 8,000 statues of warriors and horses, buried alongside generals according to the traditions of the time. This army was created around 200 BC.

What astonishes scientists is that these statues were made to life-size proportions and with astonishing detail. Thousands of faces are unique; no two faces are alike.

During excavations in the 1970s, scientists had to work very carefully. An ancient legend tells of this tomb, linking it to the emperor’s spirit from the afterlife.

9. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Built long ago, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Westerners discovered this great monument. (Photo: lastdjedai).

Westerners were unaware of this magnificent structure until the 19th century, leaving scholars astonished by the Khmer architecture.

The walls are incredibly thick, with no visible gaps. The stones are very flat, constructed and calculated to bear the total weight of the monument.

This complex features 200 temples strategically placed so that tourists standing at any angle can only see three of them at a time. The drainage system is also scientifically designed; during the rainy season, water floods the designated areas, transforming the site into an island amidst a vast sea.

10. Easter Island, Chile

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its mystery. (Photo: Amy Nichole Harris).

This small island is surrounded by gigantic stone statues. Numerous pieces of evidence indicate that these statues were transported here from another location.

The island is challenging to extract such large stones from, and it is isolated from the mainland. The mysterious questions surrounding these statues have puzzled scientists for centuries.

11. Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt

The giant Sphinx statues have endured for thousands of years, standing as witnesses to a turbulent history. (Photo: Volodymyr Martyniuk).

The Sphinx statues located in the vast desert are perhaps the greatest mystery of all time. It is believed to be a construct of the Pharaohs. Inside the colossal Sphinx statues are rooms with scientifically designed passageways.

History records that this area has experienced many severe floods, yet the monument has remained intact for over 5,000 years. Egyptians have a saying: “The world fears time, but time must fear the ancient monuments of this nation.“

12. Al Naslaa Rock Formation, Saudi Arabia

The Al Naslaa rock formation baffles even the most experienced travelers. This gigantic rock has almost no contact with the ground and features a perfectly straight crack down its center, resembling a cut made by a laser. The true origin of this phenomenon remains unknown.

13. House of Fairies, Italy

Italy is famous for its numerous architectural landmarks, including the magnificent Colosseum and the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, Italy also boasts lesser-known yet fascinating tourist spots. One such place is the mysterious House of Fairies (Domus de Janas) in Sardinia, which is tiny enough to suit tiny fairies rather than humans. It is believed that this stone “fairy tale house” is around 6,000 years old.

14. Kailasa Temple, India

The Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves is one of the largest and most mysterious structures on the planet, carved entirely from a single rock. Modern archaeologists have yet to explain the existence of such a unique architectural marvel.

15. Masuda no Iwafune, Japan

In different areas of Asuka, Japan, there are particularly carved stones with large square holes in their bodies, created by ancient Japanese residents. The purpose of Masuda no Iwafune remains a mystery.

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