From the ancient “tennis balls” thousands of years old to puzzling shapes, many artifacts have left archaeologists stumped for decades and even centuries.
The magazine Ancient Origins has reviewed some of the most perplexing artifacts that have challenged the scientific community in England over the past few centuries.
1. 5,000-Year-Old “Tennis Balls” in Scotland
Three of the strange spherical artifacts – (Photo: Ancient Origins).
Over 425 intricately carved spherical objects have been discovered across Scotland and some surrounding areas, dating back to around 3200-2500 BCE.
These artifacts are made from various types of stone, each uniquely carved but sharing a common style. Some resemble modern tennis balls quite closely.
Although the first of these balls were discovered in the 19th century, archaeologists are still baffled as to their purpose in ancient times.
2. The Roman Dodecahedron
Strange artifact from the Roman Empire – (Photo: Ancient Origins).
About 130 dodecahedrons have been found in areas that were once Northwestern provinces of the ancient Roman Empire, each intricately crafted from bronze alloy, dating back approximately 1,600-2,000 years.
Each dodecahedron has 12 faces, with a round hole on each face, and at each vertex where three faces meet, there is a small knob. Its purpose remains a mystery.
3. The Mysterious Drums
Three of the mysterious drums – (Photo: Ancient Origins)
In 1889, three drum-like objects made from soft white coastal limestone resembling chalk were discovered in a child’s grave in Folkton, North Yorkshire, England.
A fourth unadorned drum was found in Lavant, West Sussex, in 1993. Another elaborately decorated drum was excavated at Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire in 2015.
Among these, the Burton Agnes drum was buried alongside a piece of chalk, a bone pin, and the remains of three children, one of which dates back to 3005-2890 BCE.
4. The Rutland Gold Hoops
Gold hoop jewelry in England – (Photo: Ancient Origins).
These small open hoop rings date back to the late Bronze Age (around 1000-800 BCE) and have been found in Ireland, England, and some regions of France.
Typically found in matching pairs, they can be plain or feature intricate geometric carvings. However, it remains unclear whether they are rings, earrings, or something else entirely.
5. Cosmetic or Drug Preparation Tools?
This is a small bronze alloy tool crafted in two parts. One half is a long, curved container, while the other half is a pointed or curved stick.
These tools often have loops for hanging and are adorned with human or animal figures, dating back to approximately 100-200 CE.
A part of the strange tool believed to be for cosmetic or drug preparation – (Photo: Ancient Origins).
Analyses suggest that something was ground into the container, which was then mixed with the stick.
The mystery lies not in the function but in what substance was being prepared. Suggestions include medicines, aphrodisiacs, cosmetics, and drugs.
