12 Most Ancient Archaeological Discoveries Scientists Still Can't Explain

A tiny Swiss ring watch was discovered inside a Ming Dynasty tomb in China from the 17th century. This is impossible since Switzerland wasn't founded until the 19th century. Explanations include tomb raiders accidentally leaving it behind or a mole burrowing into the tomb and bringing the watch inside.

The wrappings around the Zagreb mummy contain the Liber Lintas - an important ancient Etruscan text. Experts believe it may be a calendar of rituals or the legendary Etruscan book Atusa Disciplina. However, the Etruscan language remains untranslated so the content is still unknown.

The 5000 year old Egyptian artifact known as the Disc of Sabu has an unknown origin and purpose. It may have been used as an elaborate candlestick holder, but it is made of obsidian which was rarely used for that. Its circular shape is also peculiar since Egyptians had not invented the wheel yet.

Septarian nodules are sedimentary rocks that look like decorated mud balls with yellow crystals inside. They formed 50-70 million years ago as decomposing sea shells attracted sediments. Cracks allowed mineral deposits over time, creating the distinctive patterns.

Kangos are wooden memorial statues made by the Mijikenda people of Kenya. They were made to last centuries. Andy Warhol collected them but now there is pressure to return Kangos in Western museums back to Kenya. They are associated with the secret Goo society.

The Shigir Idol is a wooden statue found in a peat bog in Russia. Carbon dating tests in 2018 dated it to 11,800 years old. Further tests found it to be 12,100 years old. The idol has hieroglyphs and human faces carved into it but its true meaning is unknown.

The Codex Argenteus is a 6th century silver religious manuscript in Gothic language - the first translation of the Bible for the Goths. It was ordered by King Theodoric the Great and invented a new Gothic alphabet. The codex went missing for over 1000 years until the 16th century.

The Gebel el-Arak knife from 3300 BC contains reliefs showing Mesopotamian influence, suggesting cultural exchange between the civilizations. The figures possibly depict the Egyptian god Horus. It was purchased in 1914 and is now displayed in the Louvre.

The Jordan Lead Codices were allegedly found in a Jordan cave in 2011. The metal books have ancient origins but their inscriptions may be modern forgeries. Errors suggest they were tampered with to appear significant. Their authenticity remains fiercely debated.

The Purépecha people built an ancient capital called Tzintzuntzan in Mexico with 5 yácatas - rounded pyramids with temples for administration. The city thrived from 1450-1530 before being abandoned after Spanish conquistadors killed the Purépecha king.

A rare long sax sword was discovered in Poland, possibly from the 8th century. It may have Viking origins but this is debated. The undamaged blade was likely lost in battle. It was found away from other artifacts, suggesting accidental loss by its owner.

A wooden figurine from 43-70 AD was discovered at a HS2 construction site in the UK. It survived via protective clay. It is damaged but intricate details remain. Experts debate whether it depicts a hair or hat style. It may have been a burial offering.