Crop circles, often associated with extraterrestrial origins, are familiar to many, appearing as sprawling patterns in farmers’ fields worldwide. However, more captivating are the Nazca Lines, a type of geoglyph, found in the arid plains of southern Peru. Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these over 100 massive glyphs range from simple lines to intricate depictions of animals and humans. While recognizable, their true purpose remains unknown. Theories suggest they could have served as directional guides for sailors or had astronomical significance, possibly signaling the stars.

Situated just off the coast of Yonaguni Jima, Japan’s own Atlantis is an expansive underwater city estimated to be at least 5,000 years old. Discovered in 1995 by a diver, the city was initially thought to be a collection of natural rock formations with peculiar right angles and straight lines. Subsequent investigations revealed a variety of structures, including a large stone gateway, carved stairways, streets, and towering structures.

Thought to be the ancient city of the Jomon people, experts propose that the city didn’t “fall” like the legendary Atlantis but gradually became submerged over millennia as sea levels rose. Ongoing scientific research on this underwater site has the potential to provide crucial insights into the existence of other submerged cities worldwide.

Unlike numerous singular ancient artifacts, there exist around a hundred of these enigmatic objects. Constructed from either stone or bronze, the hollow Roman dodecahedrons feature 12 sides, each adorned with a small circle and pegs protruding from connecting corners.

Despite their resemblance to nautical tools, the purpose of these dodecahedrons remains elusive. Speculations among historians range from fortune-telling devices to candleholders, while others propose astrological or religious applications. Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, experts suggest potential uses such as sowing winter grains or calibrating water pipes for Roman architects.

Dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, the Sumerian King List is a catalog detailing Sumerian kings, their dynasties, locations, and reign durations. While seemingly straightforward, what sets it apart is the inclusion of mythological elements. Alongside the historical account of Sumerian rulers, the King List weaves in narratives like the Great Flood and the tales of Gilgamesh—stories often dismissed as mere fables.

This infusion of mythology has led theorists to various interpretations. Some suggest that it validates the authenticity of Old Testament stories, while others propose that the listed kings were deities or semi-divine beings. The Sumerian King List thus stands as a unique historical document with a blend of tangible political history and enigmatic mythic narratives.

Easter Island’s mysteries extend beyond the famous moai statues to include an intricate series of glyphs known as Rongorongo. Discovered in 1864, these symbols, dating back to around 1200, are considered a form of writing or proto-writing. Despite similarities to regional religious signs, the precise meaning remains unknown. Carved on wood using obsidian flakes or shark teeth, Rongorongo represents a unique and still undeciphered language that may have independently developed on this isolated island.

Bolivia’s Sajama lines, discovered in 1932, are an extensive network of massive drawings etched into the earth, covering around 8,700 square miles. Ranging from 3 to 10 feet wide, they form an intricate web-like design, making it the largest archaeological site in the Andes and possibly the world. Created by indigenous people near the Sajama volcano, the purpose of these lines, whether for religious reasons or otherwise, remains an enduring mystery.

Beyond the commonly acknowledged ancient mysteries of the Egyptian pyramids, the discovery of similar structures worldwide introduces a new enigma, exemplified by the Pyramids of Argolis in Greece, notably the Hellenikon Pyramid.

The purpose of the Hellenikon Pyramid remains elusive, with experts speculating that it might commemorate a battle, yet no evidence of a tomb has been found within its walls. What captivates theorists even more is the claim that it was constructed in 2720 BCE, predating the Egyptian pyramids significantly. The mystery deepens as the Hellenikon stands as a unique and ancient structure with an age that challenges conventional timelines.

Between 70 and 60 BCE, a Greek ship sank in the Mediterranean, and in 1900, sponge divers discovered the wreckage, unearthing three bronze pieces known as the Antikythera mechanism. Initially perplexing due to its advanced gears beyond known Greek technology, X-rays in the late 20th century revealed its purpose: tracking astronomical movements. 2006 CT scans confirmed this and uncovered inscriptions, turning the artifact into a functional ancient computer. While its use as an astronomical tool is now understood, the Antikythera mechanism’s remarkably advanced construction still poses questions about the extent of ancient Greek technology.

In 1838, German archaeologist Wilhelm Konig discovered clay jars in present-day Iraq containing iron rods encased in copper cylinders. Proposing they were ancient batteries from the Parthian era (around 200 BCE), this theory faces opposition from experts like Elizabeth Stone. An alternate idea suggests the containers were for scrolls, inspired by similar objects in the nearby city of Seleucia. Replicas built by Smith College’s Dr. Marjorie Senechal and students produced voltage, adding intrigue to the debate. Theories about their use range from medicinal practices to printing money and jewelry making.

Since the 1940s, archaeologists have been uncovering enigmatic stone spheres in the Diquis Delta of Costa Rica. Initially found during agricultural activities by the United Fruit Company, these man-made objects vary in size from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter and can weigh up to 16 tons. Crafted from the igneous stone granodiorite, these spheres have been relocated to prominent sites in Costa Rica or are privately owned, yet their origin in the Diquis Valley remains a mystery.

Since the 18th century, well-preserved human cadavers have been found in Northern Europe’s peat bogs, dating as far back as 8,000 BCE. “Tollund Man,” discovered in 1950 in Denmark from the 3rd century BCE, provided valuable insights due to exceptional preservation. Despite diverse demographics, these bodies share a mysterious commonality—they were deliberately executed and placed in the bogs. The reason for this unique disposal method, whether ritual sacrifice or social outcasting, remains unexplained.

Located outside Cuzco, Peru, the ancient fortress of Saksaywaman is constructed from perfectly fitted boulders, some exceeding 200 tons, predating the Incas. While its function as a fortress and ceremonial site is known, the method of construction remains a mystery. The precision of the stonework, with gaps too thin for paper, suggests advanced engineering. The process of assembly, whether involving plant extracts, heat, or a complex wooden template, remains undetermined, sparking various theories.

In Laos’ northern Xieng Khuang province lies an unusual collection of large circular objects scattered across the landscape known as the Plain of Jars. Estimated to be over 2000 years old, these sandstone cylinders, each weighing at least a ton, are believed to have played a role in an ancient funeral rite.

The area, home to these intriguing artifacts, suffered significant damage during the American “Secret War,” with many jars being shattered or damaged by missiles. Presently, access to most ancient sites is restricted due to the presence of unexploded cluster bombs, highlighting the ongoing impact of past conflicts on the region.

The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, discovered in 1902, is a unique subterranean labyrinth in Malta. Initially, a sanctuary and later repurposed as a burial site, it is the sole preserved example of such architecture in Europe. In use from 4000 to 2500 BCE, the three-level structure features ornate designs and rock-carved architecture.

A particularly mysterious element is the “Oracle Chamber,” where words spoken at a normal volume are amplified a hundredfold, audible throughout the entire structure. The intentional design of this feature and its actual use remain unknown, adding an intriguing layer to the enigma of the Hypogeum.

In the Lower Pecos River Canyon of southwestern Texas, the “White Shaman Rock,” a 4,000-year-old cave painting, has perplexed archaeologists. Stretching 24 feet, interpretations range from depicting warriors in battle to illustrating tribal members interacting with the spirit world after using peyote.

Attributed to the Huichol tribe, a reclusive group of hunter-gatherers, the cave paintings in the area, including the White Shaman Rock, remain enigmatic. These depictions, situated in their remote Sierra Madre mountain habitat, defy clear understanding regarding their role in tribal life or the precise narratives they convey.

In 2008, Klaus Schmidt discovered Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, considered the world’s first temple, dating back to 11,000 BCE—6,000 years before Stonehenge. Built without metal tools or pottery, it consists of T-shaped pillars and stone rings adorned with crude drawings of animals like lions and spiders.

Göbekli Tepe has expanded our understanding of societal evolution, yet the meanings of the drawings and the specific function of the temple remain undetermined. This ancient site challenges conventional timelines and adds layers of mystery to the early chapters of human history.

The Zodiac Killer is perhaps the most renowned unsolved series of serial killings in American history, paralleled only by the Jack the Ripper murders of the 19th century. The crime spree, which began either in 1963 or 1968 depending on the timeline, involved a mysterious killer targeting couples and sending taunting letters to the police, featuring cryptic ciphers. The murders abruptly ceased in the ’70s, leaving a legacy of wild theories and persistent speculation about the killer’s identity.

In 1934, Cleveland faced a series of gruesome murders known as the torso murders, marked by dismembered bodies left behind. The wave of fear, spanning four years, began with the discovery of a woman’s torso on Lake Erie’s shore. Centered in the impoverished Kingsbury Run neighborhood, victims included the Lady of the Lake, two castrated men, and a woman’s remains inside baskets. In 1938, a violent police raid in Kingsbury Run led to the arrest of Frank Dolezal, later exonerated in 2010 due to new evidence. The murders stopped, but the killer’s identity remains elusive.

In 2013, Elisa Lam checked into the notorious Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, known for its association with serial killers and paranormal activity. Lam, a college student from Vancouver, stayed at the hotel under mysterious circumstances. A video of her final moments revealed unusual behavior, sparking theories about unseen pursuers or paranormal encounters.

More than two weeks after Lam went missing, she was found floating in a water tank on top of the Cecil. The police ruled her death an accidental drowning. Despite the hotel’s rebranding as “Stay On Main” in 2016, the mystery surrounding Elisa Lam and the dark history of the Cecil Hotel continues to captivate attention.

The Long Island Serial Killer, active since 1996, has used the remote Ocean Parkway marshes as a dumping ground for victims. Linked to several bodies, mainly female sex workers, at least 11 victims are estimated, though conclusively tying the crimes together has been challenging. The most recent possible victim was Natasha Jugo in 2013. The crimes have sparked various theories, including multiple killers and allegations of a police cover-up. The FBI joined the investigation in December 2015, citing concerns about the Suffolk County Police Department’s handling of the case. Many questions surround the Long Island Serial Killer mystery.

Texarkana, straddling the Texas-Arkansas border, was the backdrop for a brutal killing spree in 1946. Over three months, four violent attacks occurred, with three at a local Lovers’ Lane on the Texas side and the final one in an Arkansas farmhouse. The unseen perpetrator, dubbed The Phantom Killer, instilled fear across the town with just four murders, leaving a lingering impact that endures to this day.

Between 1918 and 1919, New Orleans was terrorized by the infamous Axeman. In a little over a year, this mysterious assailant claimed the lives of at least six people and injured six others. Various theories have been proposed to identify The Axeman, with some suggesting mob connections due to the victims being Italian.

However, a letter written by The Axeman in 1919 challenges this theory. The letter states:

“They have never caught me and they never will. They have never seen me, for I am invisible, even as the ether that surrounds your earth. I am not a human being, but a spirit and a demon from the hottest hell. I am what you Orleanians and your foolish police call the Axeman. Now, to be exact, at 12:15 (earthly time) on next Tuesday night, I am going to pass over New Orleans. In my infinite mercy, I am going to make a little proposition to you people. Here it is:

‘I am very fond of jazz music, and I swear by all the devils in the nether regions that every person shall be spared in whose home a jazz band is in full swing at the time I have just mentioned. If everyone has a jazz band going, well, then, so much the better for you people. One thing is certain and that is that some of your people who do not jazz it on Tuesday night (if there be any) will get the axe.”

From 1974 to 1975, San Francisco was haunted by a serial killer known as “The Doodler” for sketching his victims before murdering them. The perpetrator targeted gay nightclubs, and while the exact victim count remains uncertain, it could be as high as 14. Authorities closed in on a suspect, but the few survivors hesitated to testify, fearing the exposure of their homosexuality.

The Doodler murders remain shrouded in mystery, reflecting the stigma attached to homosexuality in the early ’70s. Many survivors, wanting to move past that dark period in San Francisco’s history, have chosen to forget the gruesome events.

Over seven violent years, an unidentified killer claimed the lives of at least seven women, leaving their naked bodies in a creek bed. The series of murders commenced with the disappearance of Maureen Sterling and Yvonne Weber, two twelve-year-old middle school students, who went missing after visiting the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in February 1972. Their skeletal remains were found ten months later off a remote road north of Santa Rosa.

Various theories surround the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker murders, with speculation linking the crimes to Ted Bundy, the Zodiac Killer, and The Hillside Stranglers. The true identity of the perpetrator remains elusive, contributing to the mystery surrounding these brutal killings.

In 1972, Jeannette DePalma, a missing teenager from Springfield, NJ, had her dismembered arm reportedly brought home by a dog. Investigations revealed an alleged ritualistic altar at a quarry, suggesting a connection to satanic rituals. Reports of occult elements fueled decades of attempts to forget the case.

In January 2021, access to DePalma’s case file showed exaggerated or fabricated occult details. The motive for her murder remains unclear. Missing items, such as her purse and cross necklace, were noted in the released documents. Questions persist, including an untested “unknown substance” and a reported sighting of a hitchhiker resembling DePalma on the night she disappeared. No official cause of death has been determined, and the case is labeled suspicious but not officially ruled a homicide.

Between 1931 and 1938, a coastal town was gripped by a series of seemingly random murders that fueled fears of the devil’s presence. Over seven years, at least six women aged 10 to 67 were brutally killed through stabbing, strangulation, and beatings. The San Diego police struggled to solve the cases, and despite the differing methods, they believed the murders were the work of one killer. However, a suspect was never identified, leaving the town haunted by the unsolved mystery.

In 2009, Bobby Dale, Sherilynn Leighann, and daughter Madyson Stormy Star Jamison mysteriously disappeared while looking to purchase land near Red Oak, OK. Their abandoned truck, found a few days later near Kinta, OK, contained their malnourished dog, IDs, a GPS system, and $32,000 in cash.

Numerous theories emerged, including a drug deal gone bad, the family faking their death, involvement with a cult, or the family being haunted by ghosts. Four years later, hunters discovered the skeletal remains of the Jamison family less than three miles from where their truck was parked. The decomposed state of their bodies prevented determining the cause of death. The mystery surrounding their disappearance and demise remains unsolved.

In 1922, the bodies of Reverend Edward Wheeler Hall and Eleanor Rinehardt Mills were discovered beneath a crab apple tree in Somerset County, NJ. Both had been shot in the head, and their arrangement suggested a peculiar crime scene, with Mrs. Mills’ love notes scattered around. The only witness, Jane Gibson, a pig farmer known as the “Pig Woman,” testified against Hall’s wife, leading to her arrest and trial.

However, Gibson’s credibility was questioned due to her reputation for telling tall tales and her declining health from cancer during the proceedings. Despite her testimony, the Reverend’s wife was acquitted of all charges. The murders of Edward Wheeler Hall and Eleanor Mills remain unsolved, adding an extra layer of mystery to this strange case.

On the night of January 20, 1998, 12-year-old Stephanie Crowe was stabbed eight times in her Escondido, CA, bedroom by an unknown assailant. Police found no signs of forced entry and no knives matching the murder weapon. Initially, suspicion fell on Stephanie’s 14-year-old brother, but his interrogation without parents or an attorney present was deemed inadmissible.

Years later, the brother was declared factually innocent, prompting the police to focus on a schizophrenic transient seen in the neighborhood that night. He was later tried and found not guilty, leaving Stephanie Crowe’s murder unsolved and shrouded in mystery.

Anna Christian Waters was five years old when she disappeared from Purisima Canyon, a rural area near Half Moon Bay, CA. One day after school, Anna’s mother heard her daughter talking to someone outside. When she went to check, Anna was gone.

One theory suggests Anna may have accidentally fallen into a nearby creek and drowned. However, Anna’s mother believes her biological father, diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, was involved. He lived with a man named George Brody, who was obsessed with Anna. Despite suspicions, nothing has been proven, and Anna remains missing.

Though the murders Dean Corll committed were technically “solved,” many questions remain about his crimes that won’t ever be answered because the child killer was shot by an accomplice during his final act.

No one knows how many teenage boys Corll raped and murdered in the 1970s, or if he began his spree prior to the accepted start date. Plus the putrefied bodies of the victims recovered may have been returned to the wrong families for burial. These mass murders in Houston remain to be unsettling and horrifying.

A doll that transcends the realm of regular creepiness is Robert the Living Doll, and he might just be the most unsettling of them all. The doll’s eerie reputation began when it allegedly attacked a young boy sleeping in his room one night in Key West, FL. The origin of Robert’s inclination to frighten and cause harm traces back to a voodoo-practicing servant in 1898, weary of constant mistreatment by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Otto. In an act of mystical retribution, the servant infused a straw doll with the collective pain and anger of the maltreated workers in the household. Supposedly, the family would often hear their son engaging in conversations upstairs, only to find him chatting with the doll.

In 1959, the cemetery of a Newark, NJ church dating back to the 1600s was paved over to create a parking lot for the New Jersey Devils Hockey Arena. During an excavation of the lot, researchers uncovered two iron sarcophagi containing the remains of individuals dating back to around the 1850s. Adding to the intrigue, the bodies were not in close proximity, suggesting that two individuals in Newark, possibly unknown to each other, had the financial means to be buried in a pharaoh-like fashion. To this day, the researchers have been unable to ascertain the identities of either body.

Taos, NM, isn’t the only place with a mysterious hum, but usually, only around two percent of people in any given “hum” area can hear the sound. Researchers, setting up equipment in the homes of those who reported hearing the hum, found multiple hums on various frequencies. Theories range from extraterrestrials to paranormal activity and potential CIA mind control experiments. Hums have been documented globally, often in areas with Earth’s polarity anomalies. Tragically, at least one person committed suicide after nonstop exposure to the hum. While the hum itself has never been recorded, an approximation was created for an episode of Unsolved Mysteries.

Rudolph Valentino, a prominent star of the silent film era, starred in classics like The Sheik and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. After his death from appendectomy complications, rumors of arsenic poisoning circulated. Another theory suggests Valentino was cursed. In 1920, he purchased a ring warned to bring bad luck. Wearing it during The Young Rajah led to his biggest flop, keeping him off-screen for two years. He wore it again during a New York trip, where he succumbed to appendicitis. The mysterious ring has fueled superstitions surrounding Valentino’s untimely demise.