Uncovering history can often lead to the discovery of strange and mysterious artifacts. From a mummified child-sized mermaid found in England to a suit of armor for a dog from the 16th century, here are 10 odd historical artifacts that you won’t believe exist. Other notable discoveries include a handmade doll made entirely of human hair from the 19th century, an ancient Egyptian bee pendant, and a leather baseball from 1856. These artifacts remind us that history is full of surprises, and there is still much to learn about our past.
10 Odd Historical Artifacts That You Won’t Believe Exist
The world is full of surprises, and history is no exception. There are many artifacts that have been discovered over the years that are simply unbelievable. From the bizarre to the creepy to the downright disturbing, here are 10 of the oddest historical artifacts that you won’t believe exist.
1. A Mummified Child-Sized Mermaid
In 2004, a strange and unusual artifact was discovered in the basement of a house in Derbyshire, England. It was a small, mummified creature that was about the size of a child, but with the tail of a fish. The creature was dubbed the “Derbyshire Mermaid.”
2. A Comb Made of Human Bone
Combs have been used for thousands of years, but the comb made of human bone is definitely one of the more unusual ones. Dating back to the 6th or 7th century, this comb was found in a Saxon grave in England.
3. A Handmade Doll with Human Hair
This doll is not your typical toy. It is a handmade doll from the 19th century that is made entirely out of human hair. That’s right – everything from the head to the body to the clothes is made from human hair.
4. A 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Abacus
Although an abacus is a relatively common artifact, this particular one is special because it dates back to the Han dynasty in China (206 BC – 220 AD). What makes this abacus even more interesting is that it is made of clay and bamboo, and it still works!
5. An Ancient Egyptian Bee Pendant
Believed to be from the 2nd or 3rd century BC, this bee pendant was found in an ancient Egyptian tomb. The bee was a symbol of the goddess Neith, who was associated with creation and weaving.
6. A Wooden Leg with a Secret Compartment
Prosthetic limbs have been around for centuries, but this one is special because it has a secret compartment. The leg was made in the 19th century and belonged to a man who used it as a smuggler’s tool.
7. A Letter from a Time Traveler?
In 2003, a letter was found in a book at an auction in New York. The letter was written in the 1800s, but it appeared to be written by someone from the future. In the letter, the writer describes a world full of wonder and technology that was impossible at the time.
8. A Leather Baseball from 1856
Baseball has been a popular sport for over a century, but this particular baseball is unique because it is from 1856. The ball is made of leather and has a smaller circumference than modern baseballs.
9. A Roman Surgical Kit
Although medicine has come a long way since the days of the ancient Romans, this surgical kit from the 2nd century AD is a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors. The kit includes surgical instruments such as scalpels and forceps, as well as lancets for bloodletting.
10. A Suit of Armor for a Dog
This might seem like a joke, but it is not. In the 16th century, wealthy Europeans would sometimes dress up their pets in stylish outfits. This suit of armor for a dog is an example of how far some people were willing to go.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many odd historical artifacts that have been discovered over the years. They remind us that history is full of surprises and that there is still much to learn about our past.