“History’s Mysteries”: 10 Remarkable Photos And Facts About The Past

In over 4.5 billion years of Earth’s existence and millions of years of human evolution, we’ve seen civilizations rise and fall, survived wars and famines, and made discoveries that have shaped the world we live in.

With so much behind us, it’s no surprise we want to know more about how we got here. To satisfy your (and our) curiosity, we’ve compiled a fascinating collection of photos and facts from the Facebook page ‘History’s Mysteries.’

Scroll down to explore them, and don’t forget to upvote your favorites!

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10 PHOTOS

#1 This Stunning Masterpiece, Though It Appears To Be Crafted From Crocheted Cotton, Is Sculpted From Marble By The Greek Artist Argiris Rallias

#2 A Vast Sinkhole Over 290 Meters Deep In Xuanen County, Hubei, China, Housing A Unique Ecosystem Of Ancient Trees, Plants, And Animals

The humid climate and sunlight that reach the bottom create an extraordinary environment that remains largely inaccessible to humans.

From centuries-old cave paintings to rare historical photos, these posts offer glimpses into the past that you don’t come across every day. Pictolic reached out to Jonathan Ramsey, the creator behind ‘History’s Mysteries,’ to find out where he discovered all these captivating stories and images, and how he built such a large community.

“I was inspired to start this page out of a deep fascination with ancient history and the mysteries that surround it,” he told us. “I wanted to create a space where people could explore obscure and intriguing stories from the past in a captivating way. The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, with each post uncovering new insights and building a community of curious minds who share my passion for history.”

#3 One Of The Largest Roman Mosaic Floors Ever Discovered Was Unearthed During The Construction Of A Hotel In Antakya, Turkey

This massive mosaic, dating back to the Roman period, features intricate designs and colorful patterns.

What’s most striking about the find is the unusual rippled effect across its surface, caused by centuries of earth shifting and earthquakes in the region. The result is an impressive, almost wave-like appearance as if the mosaic were a giant, rippling blanket.

Despite this natural warping, the mosaic has remained remarkably intact, providing a glimpse into ancient Roman artistry and the impact of geological forces over time.

#4 The Original Star Wars Trilogy Masterfully Used Matte Paintings To Seamlessly Create Vast, Detailed Worlds, Immersing Audiences In Realistic Environments Long Before Digital Effects

Running a page with nearly 500K followers isn’t easy, though. “Researching all these historical facts and photos takes time and effort,” Jonathan shared. “I rely on a combination of academic sources, archaeological reports, historical texts, news outlets, and trusted online databases. I also follow new discoveries and studies in archaeology, which often lead to fascinating material. Social media and community input also play a part, as people share lesser-known stories that sometimes spark new ideas for content.”

Despite how much work goes into finding and researching historical facts, as well as staying up-to-date with relevant news, the result is worth it, Jonathan admitted. “What I enjoy most about this page is seeing people engage with history in a meaningful way,” he said. “Watching the community grow and hearing how certain stories spark their curiosity or make them rethink what they know is fulfilling. Ultimately, I hope to inspire a broader appreciation for history, shed light on some of the world’s hidden stories, and encourage critical thinking about the past and its impact on the present.”

#5 In Turkmenistan, At The Gonur Depe Archaeological Site, A Tomb Dating From 2,400 To 1,600 Bc Revealed Two Intriguing Artifacts

An extremely small golden ram and stone lion. These artifacts, indicative of the precision and craftsmanship of the Oxus civilization, offer a glimpse into the culture and artistic skill of this ancient society.

#6 Pamukkale, Located In Southwestern Turkey, Is One Of The World’s Most Stunning Natural Wonders

Its name means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, a fitting description for its surreal white terraces formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from hot spring waters.

These terraces, filled with mineral-rich waters, cascade down the hillside, creating a visual spectacle of snow-white pools glistening in the sun. Pamukkale has been revered for its therapeutic qualities since antiquity.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was built adjacent to the site by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC, serving as both a healing center and a major cultural hub. People would travel from across the ancient world to bathe in the warm waters, believing them to have miraculous healing powers.

Today, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site, combining natural beauty with historical significance. Visitors can still explore the ruins of Hierapolis and dip their feet into the same pools that were cherished thousands of years ago.

#7 The Oldest Recorded Evidence Of Honey Collecting, Found In The Cuevas De La Araña Near Bicorp, Spain, Is Estimated To Be Between 8,000 To 10,000 Years Old

This Mesolithic cave painting depicts a person climbing to reach a wild bees' nest, with bees flying around and honeycombs visible, providing early documentation of human honey harvesting activities.

Jonathan likely doesn’t have to worry about his followers losing interest in history anytime soon. According to a 2020 survey by Conner Prairie, 96 percent of people in the U.S. believe it’s important to look at history to inform the future. Additionally, 91 percent agree that learning about history helps build a strong foundation for what’s ahead. 42 percent of Americans report a higher level of curiosity about history compared to the previous year.

Enthusiasm for the past is on the rise. That’s why it’s great that Jonathan, along with his page and many other corners of the internet, is doing such a fantastic job of giving us exactly what we crave: fun, riveting nuggets of history that expand our knowledge and help us appreciate everything that came before us.

#8 A Woman From The 1950s Stands Beside A Towering Redwood Tree

Redwood trees, among the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth, dominate the coastal forests of Northern California. These majestic giants can reach heights of over 350 feet and live for more than 2,000 years, showcasing a resilience that has captivated nature lovers for centuries.

Their thick, reddish-brown bark is not only visually striking but also serves as a protective layer against pests and fire. The unique ecosystem they create supports diverse wildlife, from towering canopies filled with birds to the rich undergrowth teeming with life. As symbols of endurance and beauty, redwoods remind us of the importance of conservation and our connection to nature.

#9 Jimbacrinus Crinoid Fossils From Gascoyne Junction, Western Australia, Offer A Rare Glimpse Into Life 250 Million Years Ago

These ancient sea creatures, with their stem-like bodies and feathery arms, once thrived in shallow waters.

Their stunning preservation reveals a rich marine ecosystem that existed before the devastating Permian extinction, when massive volcanic eruptions, global warming, and ocean acidification wiped out nearly 90% of marine species.

These fossils help unlock the mysteries of Earth’s deep history and the dramatic changes that followed this catastrophic event.

#10 The Lion-Man, Carved From Mammoth Ivory Roughly 38,000 Years Ago, Stands As The Oldest Known Example Of Figurative Art

Discovered in a cave in Germany, this enigmatic sculpture merges human and animal features in a way that challenges understanding—both hauntingly familiar and strikingly otherworldly. It offers a profound glimpse into the creative genius of early humans, hinting at their capacity for imagination and symbolic thought.

Remarkably, the Lion-man predates the advent of known written language by more than 30,000 years. To put that in perspective, it is older than Stonehenge by tens of thousands of years. This ancient artifact showcases an extraordinary leap in artistic expression, marking one of the earliest examples of humans conveying complex ideas long before written records existed