TOP 5 UNSOLVED MYSTERIES OF 2022 | The UnXplained
Antarctica - The Frozen Continent
On the bottom of our planet lies the frigid land of Antarctica, the coldest and most inhospitable continent in the world, stretching over 5 million square miles. Antarctica is covered in ice sheets that breach more than a mile deep. The average daily temperature is -49 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind speeds can reach over 100 miles per hour. Today, the only inhabitants of this barren landscape are scientists who work in research stations scattered across the continent. Mainstream geologists have long believed that ancient humans never settled on Antarctica because of its hostile climate, but incredibly, in 2016 satellite images revealed a curious formation emerging from the ice that some researchers believe could be a man-made pyramid.
The Mystery of Antarctic Pyramids
Recently, there have been several reports of pyramids, huge great pyramids, in Antarctica. They jut out of the ice and snow, and they look perfect, just like those in Egypt, but they dwarf those in Egypt. One has a perfectly square base that is two kilometers square in each direction. Is it possible, therefore, that our ancestors did reach the Antarctic continent and perhaps even settle there? A man-made pyramid beneath the Antarctic ice. If such an incredible notion is true, then it naturally begs some questions: How was such a massive structure built on Antarctica? When was it done, and by whom?
Antarctica's Mysterious Past
Antarctica, we have been told by geologists, has been under ice for many millions of years. However, there is evidence that it could have been ice-free, at least in certain areas, until perhaps 4000 BC. There are a large number of stories from Polynesia of so-called cultural heroes who reached the Antarctic continent. A French academic by the name of Argo put together all of these different stories in the book titled "Out of Antarctica." The Polynesian people's stories describe this strange land with white rocks that come out of the water with icebergs and other creatures such as seals and penguins. They seem to describe an area that we now know as Antarctica. The Polynesian people believed this was the place of their ancestors and said, "This is where we came from originally." Why did they believe this if it was untrue? Is it possible that the coldest place on Earth was once warm enough to be inhabited by humans?
Climate Clues from the Antarctic Seafloor
In 2017, German geologists collected core samples from deep within the frozen Antarctic seafloor to analyze what the continent's climate might have been like thousands of years ago. What they discovered was astonishing. The expedition in early 2017 used a special seafloor drill rig not previously used in Antarctica. The sediments brought up revealed more than 60 different taxa of plants, similar to what one would find in a rainforest in a temperature regime similar to what we know today from Northern Italy. Finding such vegetation on the Antarctic continent is exciting because the current climatic conditions don't allow any vegetation to survive. Based on the environment and location, it is suggested that the Antarctic continent holds secrets that can tell us a lot about planet Earth.
The Sphinx - Ancient Enigma
Cairo, Egypt, is home to the Giza necropolis, the most famous collection of ruins in the world. Believed to be constructed during ancient Egypt's fourth dynasty around 2550 BC, these limestone monuments attract thousands of tourists every day. The Great Sphinx, perhaps the most recognizable statue in the world, is a massive single-piece stone sculpture cut from the natural rock of the Giza plateau. But even after centuries of study, the Sphinx holds many secrets that archaeologists are still trying to unravel.
Decoding the Secrets of the Sphinx
The Sphinx that we know today, sitting near the Great Pyramids of Giza, is the most famous of all Sphinxes, but there are Sphinxes all over ancient Egypt, including smaller ones and an avenue of sphinxes between the temples. However, the Great Sphinx at Giza stands alone as something different. Its purpose remains a mystery. For thousands of years, this massive statue has been an object of fascination and wonder. But the most significant mystery surrounding it is its true age. While it's widely believed to date back to the time of Pharaoh Khafre, there are theories suggesting it might be much older.
The Sphinx's Geological Clues
One of the most important documents related to the dating of the Sphinx is the inventory stela. This commemorative stone records details of how Pharaoh Khufu repaired the Sphinx after it was struck by lightning. The inscription dates back to about 4,600 years ago, making it clear that the Sphinx was an older structure that the Egyptians adopted, repaired, and venerated. While some scholars believe it's much older than previously thought, the age of the Sphinx remains a topic of debate.
The Cursed Objects Collection
Cincinnati, Ohio, is home to a couple named Greg and Dana Newkirk, who have a unique collection of cursed objects. This strange collection began accidentally as the Newkirks became known for their interest in the paranormal. They acquired cursed objects as people sought their help in dealing with items that they believed brought them harm. The collection includes items like a cursed deer skull, a deadly ring, and a doll believed to spread illness wherever it goes. The Newkirks feel a heavy responsibility to keep these objects in a safe place, not only for themselves but also for others.
The Mystery of the Crone
Among their cursed objects is one known as "the Crone," a wooden effigy. This object is considered so dangerous that the Newkirks refuse to keep it in their collection. People who have come in contact with the Crone have experienced severe physical reactions, including seizures and fainting. To remove the Crone's curse, a ritual was performed in the wilderness. It's a mystery that captivates the curious and challenges the understanding of such phenomena.
Unearthing the Secrets of Tall el-Hammam
In the lower Jordan River Valley, the ancient city of Tall el-Hammam rises from the landscape. This city, buried under layers of dirt and rock, is believed to date back nearly 4,000 years. Some experts theorize that Tall el-Hammam could be the biblical city of Sodom. The biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah describes a city destroyed by fire and a burning stone from God. Tall el-Hammam's location and physical evidence support this theory, and it's a topic of great interest and debate among scholars and archaeologists.
Unwrapping the Secrets of Villa de Papyri
Pompeii, Italy, is renowned for its archaeological discoveries, and among them, the Villa de Papyri stands out. This luxury villa was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, preserving not only its structure but also a library containing over 1800 papyrus scrolls. These scrolls are an extraordinary record of ancient writings. Advances in technology, such as virtual unwrapping, now offer the possibility of reading these two-thousand-year-old texts without damaging them. The discovery of such texts could shed light on history, philosophy, and even early Christian materials.