19 archaeological finds that make traveling to the past possible even without a time machine (20 photos)

Archaeological finds play an important role in studying the history and culture of mankind. They give us unique information about past eras and help us understand some of the features of life that existed in those times.





Some artifacts also allow us to study the customs of our ancestors, to better feel their attitude to the world and the surrounding reality.

Every year, researchers discover dozens, and sometimes even hundreds of important artifacts. Alas, not all of the finds are able to shed light on the great mysteries of history. Often, they can only help archaeologists a little closer to choosing the path that will lead them to the desired solution. Fortunately, there are also rarer and more valuable items among them that can provide more meaningful information and turn the heads of researchers.

An anchor of a Mongolian ship is raised from the sea near Takashima Island, Japan



The anchor dates back to approximately the 13th century AD.

160-Year-Old Perfume Found in Mary Celestia Wreck Off Bermuda





Reliquary of Unknown Saint's Hand, Circa 1230 AD



Viking Age Ring With 'For Allah' Words Found in grave of a woman buried 1,200 years ago in Birka



The ring is a unique piece of evidence of direct contact between the Vikings and the Abbasid Caliphate.

Praying Mantis Helmet, Edo Period, 17th Century AD



Tutankhamun's Burial Mask. Front and Back Views. Created around 1323 BC



Of particular interest is the protective spell written in Egyptian hieroglyphs on the back and shoulders with ten vertical and two horizontal lines. It was probably meant to protect the pharaoh from evil spirits and help him reach the Kingdom of the Dead.

Ancient Greek warrior's helmet, about 2,500 years old



Archaeologists in southern Italy have discovered a headdress along with pottery, tool fragments and a shield near what appears to be the remains of a temple to the goddess Athena. They believe the artifacts may be linked to a major naval battle that changed the balance of power in the Mediterranean.

Unusual French reliquary made of precious metals and rock crystal, 1175-1200



Archaeologists discover hundreds of colorful sarcophagi in Saqqara, Egypt



Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Scientists discover over 250 sarcophagi, 150 bronze statues and many other antiquities that shed light on the ritual practices of that time. The objects were made about 2,500 years ago. However, their exact age has yet to be determined.

In the 21st century, Serbian archaeologists have discovered many interesting finds in ancient Viminacium



Some of the most interesting are silver and gold tablets with mysterious engraved symbols. They have not been deciphered to this day.

The Uffington White Horse in England is a prehistoric chalk figure on a hill dating back to 1000 BC



French men's silk and leather shoe, 17th century



Carved ivory and horn model of an eye, 1800-1900 years



A researcher holds a jar of saffron preserved in water - the spice is unusually well preserved



It was found at the wreck of the Danish warship Gribschunden, which sank off the coast of Sweden in 1495.

The Talisman of King Charlemagne, which was buried with him in 814



According to some sources, the talisman contains fragments of the “true cross” (the structure on which Jesus was crucified).

The moment the Hestia statue was discovered in 2017 in the ruins of Aigai, Turkey



This 14th-century door in Exeter Cathedral, UK, is thought to be the oldest cat door in existence



A ceramic vessel with a realistic life-size portrait of a nobleman, 400 BC era



The largest gold coin ever minted by Spain



Was in circulation from 1609 to 1618.