History is full of bizarre discoveries that leave archaeologists scratching their heads. From lizard-like figurines to mysterious ancient mechanisms, here are some of the weirdest finds that almost sound too strange to be real.
The Ubaid Lizardmen (Iraq, 5,000 BCE)
Strange humanoid figurines with lizard-like features have led to wild theories about ancient aliens.
Many people have heard of the Ubaid Lizardmen, and it’s nearly impossible to research them without stumbling into a flurry of ancient alien theories. (Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not a believer in that!) However, these figurines are genuinely fascinating because they offer insight into how ancient people represented beings with non-human characteristics.
The Ubaid Lizardmen are a group of figurines depicting humanoid bodies with distinctly reptilian heads. Many of them appear nude, and their purpose remains unclear. Some theories suggest they may have represented deities or mythical beings, similar to how other ancient cultures depicted gods with animal heads. While they do bear some resemblance to the stereotypical alien shape, there is no actual evidence linking them to extraterrestrials—just a lot of creative speculation.
The Roman Dodecahedrons
Small, hollow, 12-sided objects with no clear purpose—some say they were tools, others think they were magical artifacts.
You might have come across the claim that Roman dodecahedrons were used for knitting gloves. While this theory is amusing, it’s far from confirmed. According to English Heritage, possible explanations range from devices for determining the optimal date for sowing winter grain to candle holders, scepter heads, dice, rangefinders, surveying tools, or even children’s toys.
These small, geometric objects are made of metal and have holes of varying sizes in their faces. Despite their mysterious nature, no ancient text has been found explaining their purpose. Given their symmetrical yet intricate design, they certainly seem like they had a practical use—but what that was remains one of history’s enduring puzzles.
The Antikythera Mechanism (Ancient Greece, 2nd century BCE)
A mechanical device so advanced it’s essentially an ancient computer.
The Antikythera Mechanism is, without a doubt, one of the most mind-blowing archaeological finds ever discovered. Often dubbed “the world’s first computer,” this device was recovered from a shipwreck in 1902 and has since baffled researchers with its complexity.
This ancient machine, made up of an intricate system of gears, functioned as an astronomical calculator. It could predict celestial positions, eclipses, and even the motions of the sun, moon, and some planets. It had three large dials and worked much like a mechanical clock. The existence of such an advanced device in the 2nd century BCE challenges many assumptions about technological progress in the ancient world.
The Screaming Mummies
Terrifying open-mouthed expressions—were they buried alive, or is there another explanation?
Mummies with horrifying “screaming” expressions have been found across various cultures, most notably in Mexico’s Guanajuato mummies. These eerie remains have fueled speculation that they were victims of live burial, unable to escape their tombs.
However, while some cases of premature burial did occur, most “screaming mummies” are actually the result of natural decomposition. After death, as the body dries out and the jaw relaxes, the mouth often falls open, creating the unsettling appearance of a silent scream. So while the image is horrifying, it’s usually more a trick of biology than a sign of ancient horror stories come to life.
The London Hammer
A hammer encased in rock, sparking debates about how old it really is.
The so-called “London Hammer” has caused quite a stir since its discovery. Found encased in rock, some have claimed it is a pre-flood artifact, possibly millions of years old. However, a more reasonable explanation is that the hammer, which closely resembles 19th-century mining tools, became encased in a type of highly soluble sediment that hardened around it in a much shorter period of time.
Despite being found in rock, this doesn’t necessarily mean the hammer itself is ancient—it simply means the surrounding material formed around it relatively quickly. While some fringe theories continue to push the idea that it is evidence of a lost civilization or anachronistic technology, mainstream archaeology points to a much more mundane (but still fascinating) geological process at work.
Final Thoughts
These bizarre discoveries remind us just how much there is to uncover about the past. While some remain shrouded in mystery, others have logical explanations that challenge our understanding of history and technology. What do you think? Which of these strange finds fascinates you the most? Let me know in the comments!
Knots and Trowels 
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