The Most Important Archaeological Discoveries So Far

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From the ruins of the Mayan Civilization to the Pyramids of Egypt, Archaeologists have been key to not only to mapping the time lines of human progress but also in solving a great number of mysteries that were unexplained for centuries, if not millennia. If not for archaeologists, we would have found it hard to even know what the history of the Earth is, how man evolved and how we came about to the advanced stages of life and civilization we are at right now.


11. Ħaġar Qim, Malta

Located in Malta, this ancient wonder is part of the Ġgantija phase, which is known as Malta’s Prehistoric Era cieca 3600 to 3200 BC. There have been many statues and sculptures recovered along with articulately designed stones and pillars.



10. Olmec Stoneheads, Mexico

The Olmec Stoneheads are important because they establish a possible  link between Africa and Pre-Colombus America. The faces are more aggressive and the facial features are shown to be a mixture of African and the Native Indian appearances.




9. Terra Cotta Warriors, China

Hundreds of life-sized models of soldiers made of clay were uncovered in Xian district. It was known to have been buried along with the First Emperor of China, Qin. It is said to be a tribute to the army that helped unite China into one giant empire.

terracotta warriors


8. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey

Cappadocia in Turkey was home to many an underground city and the Derinkuyu City unearthed in 2015, is the newest member of the excavated family. In earlier times, Turkey went through hard times and a lot of people went underground due to atrocities committed. Hence the innovatively constructed tunnels were safe havens for the refugees.




7. Sacsayhuaman, Peru

Cusco in Peru, the capital of Incan Civilization is home to a fortress fit for giants. A quick look at the fort and you will not believe that it was made by humans way back, between 900 and 1200 AD. Each boulder is close to 120 tonnes which is quite impossible for the average human beings to lift, and so well placed, even a sheet of paper cannot be passed through most of them.




6. Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

Another important site in Turkey, Gobekli Tepe is speculated to be the world’s oldest temple going back atleast 9000 years. This site isn’t exactly in the best of shape with most of it in ruins. However it has given us some clues of the manner in which prehistoric man went about their daily lives.



5. Baghdad Battery, Iraq

The Baghdad Battery involves a terracotta pot that could create anywhere between 0.8 and 2 Volts, 2000 years before a fully functioning battery was created. This marvelous battery from medieval times could create electricity, but historians are still trying to discover for what purpose.



4. Newgrange, Ireland

A 5,200 year old tomb uncovered in Ireland was apparently built by Stone Age farmers. Newgrange, besides being a tomb was also crafted in a manner that the Sun’s rays would penetrate through the cave on the shortest day of the year, which is quite advanced for their times.

Irelands oldest passage tomb


3. Chinkai Castle, Mongolia

Although Genghis Khan ruled over a major part of the world a little less than 8 Centuries ago, very little is known about the Conqueror. However, researchers have found what could have been the army headquarters the great warrior. The hunt is till on for his tomb though, that still is one of the biggest kept secrets in the world.




2. Sanxingdui, China

Archaeologists were stunned to find two huge pits in Xinhua, China, containing ornaments and metals predating the Great Civilization of China. The Sanxingdui Civilization apparently appeared in 3000 BC and disappeared by 1000 BC. This led to speculation of an earthquake having destroyed the civilization, or they could have mass migrated.


Sanxingdui Museum


1. The Cave of Altamira, Spain

This piece of Paleolithic artwork in the caves of Altamira has been traced to somewhere between 35,000 BC and  11,000 BC. One of the earliest pieces of art by the human species, this showcased the creativity and also gave us a glimpse of what the past looked like, what was important to our ancestors, how they thought – giving us an idea of our origins.




Archaeology has helped humanity come to terms with their past and the origins of their species. This helps us to know where we stand in history as well, and to learn from our past.

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