These Images from Historic Archeological Finds Are Mind Blowing

2. This Archeological Helmet Had a Skull Inside

Okay, that actually shouldn’t be too terribly surprising. Helmets protect the head, and this person died while wearing his helmet, so his head was still inside when they found it. Not surprising, but still really interesting. Experts believe the Corinthian helmet is from the Battle of Marathon, which gave rise to the legend about the Greek warrior who ran 26.2 miles to warn of the approaching army. Today, marathons are 26.2 miles in his honor. They fought the battle as part of the struggle between Ancient Greece and Ancient Persia, both of which were empires aiming to achieve dominance.

1. This Ring Is Actually an Astrological Sphere

Take a look at this beautiful archeological find. Astrological rings were reasonably standard in the Late Medieval Period and the Renaissance. As shown in the picture, they usually had two to eight bands that could be folded down into a ring or unfolded to make a globe. Though common, they were a sign of status. Why? Because the jewelry came in gold and were very expensive to make. This one dates from the sixteenth century and could reveal astrological signs that the wearer could interpret. These rings and other astrological artifacts tell us how people during that period understood and used astrology.

Where Did We Find This Stuff? Some Sources and Further Reading

Museum of Florida – Yearly Worldwide Shark Attack Summary

CNN – Hobby Lobby ordered to forfeit ancient artifact bought for $1.6 million in 2014

University of Colorado Boulder – Arctic People

American Ferris Journal – Norwegian Archaeologists Discover Equine Snowshoe and Shod Hoof

National Library of Medicine – Herbal Medicine

Amusing Planet – What a 7-Year-Old Russian Boy Doodled in The 13th Century

Mental Floss – Show & Tell: Was This 20-Sided Die Used for Ancient Gaming?

Atlas Obscura – The Sword in the Stone at Montesiepi Chapel