20 Fascinating Finds That Offer A Glimpse Into The Distant Past

Objects from the distant past have a deep, rich history. They are tangible fragments that give us a glimpse into specific moments in time when life was starkly different, to say the least. That’s why museum visits are almost always guaranteed to pique our curiosity.

Reddit also has its museum of artifacts, where more than three million members share photos of artwork, tools, and archeological finds. Some objects date back to the B.C. era and carry fascinating backstories.

We’ve compiled this list of images from the community. Hopefully, you get to learn something new today.

20 PHOTOS

#1 Meet Abdel Kader Haidara, The Man Who Risked His Life To Save Almost 400,000 Ancient Manuscripts From Timbuktu From Being Destroyed By The Jihadists

These manuscripts, some date back to the 11th century, deal with myriad subjects such as medicine, astronomy, and s*x

#2 The Amber Bear That My Dad Found In 1990. Dates Back To The Stoneage. Currently On Display At The Natural History Museum In Copenhagen

#3 16th Century German Ring That Unfolds Into An Astronomical Sphere

It’s easy to assume that antiques are highly valuable. However​, several factors affect their value, making it quite challenging to determine. According to Five Katz Antiques owner Edmund Kindle, market trends are one variable.

In an article for Florida Today, Kindle explains that younger people who inherit these old items from their grandparents aren’t fond of them, so they sell them for cheap.

#4 This 14th Century Door At Exeter Cathedral, UK, Is Thought To Be The Oldest Existing Cat Flap

#5 Fall Of The Rebel Angels, Carved Out Of A Single Piece Of Marble In 1740 By Italian Sculptor Agostino Fasolato, It Depicts 60 Fallen Angels

#6 A 2000-Year-Old Roman Silver Dagger, That Was Discovered By An Archeology Intern In 2019 In Germany, Before And After Nine Months Of Careful Restoration Work

Provenance is another factor, as it determines the history of the object’s ownership. According to Christie’s New York Department for Chinese Ceramics head Vicky Paloympis, older provenance from a prestigious collection does boost the item’s value.

But if you want to be sure, you can consult an auction database. Heritage Auctions' head consignment director, Samantha Robinson, explains that auction results within the past three years are the best basis.

#7 A Golden Ram And A Stone Lion, Found In A Tomb At The Archaeological Site Of Gonur Depe (Dated From 2400 To 1600 BCE) In Turkmenistan

The finger in the background shows how small these figures are, demonstrating the extraordinary skill of the craftsmen

#8 Tea Gown, France, ~1897. Owned By The Countess Greffulhe, Who Often Chose Clothing Of A Brilliant Green Color Because It Complemented Her Auburn Hair

#9 Amethyst Grapes With Jade Leaves. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

According to Chicago-based antiques dealer Erik Retzer, bronze holds a lot of value in terms of item material. Whether small sculptures or ornate chandeliers, bronze remains a precious item in the antique market because it is highly coveted.

The same applies to Suzani textiles. Originating in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, they were initially used as protective wrapping panels for ancient tents known as yurts.

These days, people have found ways to repurpose them by using them as wall art or pillow designs.

#10 The Goat Tender Of The Colonies By Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier. France, 1861

#12 A 3,000-Year-Old Clay Pig Found In 2020 At The Lianhe Ruins In China. When It Was Discovered, The Pottery Has Gone Viral As It Looks Similar To The Pigs In Angry Birds

The popularity of period pieces has revived the popularity of Georgian and Regency furniture. According to Los Angeles-based designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, today’s younger generation has embraced mixing these old pieces with newer ones for a fresh look.

“Chests of drawers, dining chairs, secretaries, and side tables—mostly English and even Irish—are still very reasonable at auction and have such beauty,” he said.

#13 The Castle Of Coca Is A Castle Located In The Coca Municipality, Central Spain

It was constructed in the 15th century and has been considered to be one of the best examples of Spanish Mudejar brickwork which incorporates Moorish Muslim design and construction with Gothic architecture

#14 "You Used To Always Say To Me, 'Let’s Live Together Until Our Hair Turns White And Die On The Same Day.' So How Could You Go Ahead And Leave Me Behind?" Letter By A Woman To Her Deceased Husband, Discovered In The Man's Grave Along With A Lock Of Her Hair. Korea, 1586

#15 One Of The Three Roman Pools Of Gafsa, In Tunisia, Two Of Which Are Open. Built In The 2nd Century Bce, They Are About Five Meters Deep And Are Fed By Hot Water Springs

Let’s hear from you, readers. Is there something about old, antique objects that fascinates you? What about these artifacts do you find most interesting? Comment down below!

#16 Wheelchair Made For Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740

#17 “Death Blowing Bubbles”

One of the several depictions of death created by Johann Georg Leinberger between 1729 and 1731 for the ceiling of the Holy Grave Chapel in Michaelsberg Abbey in Bamberg, Germany. The bubbles are symbols of the fragility of life

#18 A 900-Year-Old Church Still Standing In Wicklow, Ireland

#19 Years Of Restoration At The 2,200-Year-Old Temple Of Esna, In Egypt, Has Revealed The Vibrant Original Colors That Have Been Covered By Centuries Of Dirt, Soot, And Bird Poop

#20 The Graves Of A Catholic Woman And Her Protestant Husband, Who Were Not Allowed To Be Buried Together Because Of Their Differing Faiths. 1888 Ce, Located At Het Oude Kerkhof In Roermond, The Netherlands