History is captivating, and sometimes its fascination comes from things we don’t even know. We’ve compiled 19 mysteries that no one seems to have an explanation for, and they are sure to catch your interest.
The Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony
Over 100 English settlers disappeared on Roanoke Island in 1590, and there are only a few clues as to why. National Geographic shares that the only clues are the words “Croatoan” carved into a fort’s gatepost and “Cro” etched into a tree.” Experts loosely suggest they were either killed by disease or local Native American tribes.
The Identity of Jack the Ripper
In 1888, a serial killer let loose in the Whitechapel area of London, killing five women. Formerly called the ‘Whitechapel Murderer,’ we now know him as Jack the Ripper, as this is the name he ascribed to when he wrote taunting letters to the police. He was never known or found.
The Nazca Lines
These massive geoglyphs in Peru, depicting various animals and shapes, were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The purpose and method of construction of these intricate designs remain unknown, fueling theories about astronomical and ceremonial functions. This group of geoglyphs is unmatched in its extent, magnitude, quantity, size, and diversity.
The Lost City of Atlantis
The ancient city of Atlantis is so mysterious that many consider it a fictional tale by Plato, the first to describe it. It’s said to be a powerful and advanced civilization that was swallowed up by the ocean, and many expeditions have sparked renewed interest in it. However, there’s no concrete evidence to prove its existence.
The Dancing Plague of 1518
In Strasbourg, a strange phenomenon occurred: hundreds of people began dancing uncontrollably for days, some reportedly dancing to their deaths. Historians and scientists have proposed theories ranging from mass hysteria to ergot poisoning, but the true cause of this bizarre event remains a mystery.
The Voynich Manuscript
An enigmatic book filled with unknown script, strange diagrams, and undecipherable language, the Voynich Manuscript has puzzled cryptographers for centuries. Despite extensive analysis and numerous theories about its origins and meaning, its purpose and authorship remain elusive. Some suggest it might be an elaborate hoax, while others believe it holds scientific knowledge.
The Fate of the Mary Celeste
In 1872, the Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic Ocean with no one aboard and no signs of struggle. The ship was in good condition, with its cargo intact. The crew’s fate is a mystery, sparking numerous theories ranging from piracy to supernatural events. Subsequent similar cases have added to the intrigue.
The Location of Cleopatra’s Tomb
Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt, is believed to have been buried with her lover, Mark Antony. Despite extensive searches around Alexandria, the exact location of their tomb has never been found, leaving one of history’s greatest archaeological mysteries unsolved. New technologies are being employed in hopes of a breakthrough.
The Zodiac Killer’s Ciphers
Active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Zodiac Killer taunted police and media with cryptic messages and ciphers. While some ciphers have been solved, several remain unbroken, and the killer’s identity remains a mystery despite numerous investigations and a vast array of suspects. Advances in cryptography still haven’t cracked the codes.
The Tunguska Event
In 1908, a massive explosion flattened 800 square miles of Siberian forest. The cause, believed to be an airburst from a meteor or comet, left no impact crater, leading to extensive scientific debate and speculation. The Tunguska Event remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century.
The Green Children of Woolpit
In medieval England, two green-skinned children reportedly emerged from a wolf pit near the village of Woolpit. They spoke an unknown language and initially refused to eat. Various theories suggest they were from a parallel world or suffering from chlorosis, but their true origin remains unexplained.
The Shroud of Turin
Some believe the Shroud of Turin to be Jesus’ burial cloth. It bears the image of a man with wounds consistent with crucifixion. Radiocarbon dating has suggested it is a medieval forgery, yet debates over its authenticity and origins continue, keeping this religious relic shrouded in mystery. Analysis of the fabric’s weave suggests it could be ancient.
The Wow! Signal
In 1977, astronomer Jerry R. Ehman detected a strong radio signal from space lasting 72 seconds. Dubbed the ‘Wow! Signal,’ its source has never been identified, leading to speculation about extraterrestrial intelligence. Despite numerous attempts, the signal has never been detected again, and some scientists believe it was an interstellar burst of unknown origin.
The Oak Island Money Pit
Located in Nova Scotia, the Oak Island Money Pit has intrigued treasure hunters for over 200 years. Excavations have uncovered various artifacts but no definitive treasure. Numerous theories suggest pirate loot, the Holy Grail, or even Shakespearean manuscripts, yet the pit’s secrets remain buried. Modern technology continues to fuel hopeful excavations.
The Taos Hum
Residents of Taos in New Mexico have reported hearing a persistent low-frequency hum since the early 1990s. Despite scientific investigations, the source of the hum has never been identified, leading to theories ranging from geological to psychological causes. The Taos Hum remains an auditory enigma, and only a small percentage of the population can hear it too.
The Black Dahlia Murder
In 1947, the gruesome murder of Elizabeth Short, dubbed the Black Dahlia, shocked Los Angeles. Despite a high-profile investigation and numerous suspects, her killer was never caught. The case remains one of Hollywood’s most infamous unsolved murders, shrouded in speculation and intrigue. Periodic re-examinations of evidence keep the story alive.
The Phaistos Disc
Discovered on the Greek island of Crete, the Phaistos Disc is a clay tablet inscribed with mysterious symbols. The disc’s purpose, language, and meaning remain unknown despite extensive study. Some scholars suggest it may be an ancient form of writing or a complex game, but definitive answers elude us. Modern technology has yet to unlock its secrets, either.
The Somerton Man
In 1948, an unidentified man was found dead on Somerton Beach in Australia, with no clear cause of death and a cryptic note in his pocket. Despite extensive investigations and public interest, his identity and the circumstances of his death remain one of Australia’s most enduring mysteries. Recent DNA testing offers some hope but remains inconclusive.
The Ark of the Covenant
Described in the Bible as a sacred chest holding the Ten Commandments, the Ark of the Covenant’s location has been a subject of speculation for centuries. Various theories place it in Ethiopia, hidden by secret societies, or lost to history. Its fate remains one of the greatest biblical mysteries, and numerous expeditions have ended in failure.
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