From ancient tombs to modern-day cities, the history and mysteries behind some of the world’s most famous landmarks are often shrouded in darkness. But did you know that in a few of these places, human remains have been discovered? From Tutankhamun’s tomb to an apartment complex in New York City, discover the top 10 landmarks where corpses have been found and uncover their fascinating history. Explore what happened at each site, from how the dead were buried to who might be responsible for the crimes. Uncover the hidden stories of these mysterious sites and learn about the past!
Discover the Top 10 Landmarks Where Corpses Have Been Found – Uncover the History Behind These Sites
Reports of bodies being discovered in seemingly ordinary places have often captured the imaginations of people around the world. From ancient monuments to modern-day flights, many sites have become notorious for hosting the disembodied remains of people who once lived and loved. Join us as we explore this morbid topic further, and discover the top 10 landmarks where corpses have been found – uncovering the history behind these sites along the way.
1. London Tower Bridge:
One of the most recognizable landmarks in London, Tower Bridge is perhaps best known as a bridge spanning the River Thames. But what some may not know is that beneath its arches lies the skeleton of a man who was brutally murdered in 1853. The gruesome discovery was made when the Tower’s moat was drained, revealing the body of a 40-year-old man. To this day, his murderer remains unknown.
2. Great Pyramid of Giza:
A wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza also houses a rather macabre secret. In 1953, archaeologists uncovered the mummified remains of a priestess who had been carefully entombed within the pyramid over 4,000 years ago. The discovery provided valuable insight into the religious rituals of the Ancient Egyptians and a glimpse into the afterlife they believed awaited them.
3. Taj Mahal:
The beautiful Taj Mahal, located in India, has long been a symbol of love and romance. But hidden beneath its iconic white marble dome lies the corpse of its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan. After building the structure for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Jahan decided to be buried alongside her after his death in 1666. Today, their tombs still lie side by side within the walls of the majestic mausoleum.
4. Flannan Isles Lighthouse:
The remote Flannan Isles off the coast of Scotland house a lighthouse which served as a guide for sailors navigating the surrounding waters. In 1900, three lighthouse keepers mysteriously vanished while on duty at the island, leaving behind little more than a few cryptic notes. A subsequent search revealed that all three men had died, but their cause of death remains a mystery to this day.
5. Jamestown Settlement:
Jamestown Settlement in Virginia is one of the earliest examples of British colonization in America. While excavating the site in 1996, archaeologists uncovered the remains of an adolescent girl just outside the fort’s walls. It is believed that she was likely one of the first settlers of the colony, having perished due to the harsh conditions of the New World.
6. Belton House:
Belton House is a stately home located in Grantham, England. During renovations of the house in 2005, workers unearthed the corpse of a man believed to have died sometime during the early 17th century. Further investigations revealed that the man had been buried in a kneeling position, and was thought to be a victim of the English Civil War.
7. Mt. Rushmore:
Mt. Rushmore, an iconic landmark in South Dakota, is famous for honoring four US presidents with a collection of carved stone faces. But nestled among this massive monument are the remains of a man named “Pete” – the only casualty of the construction project in its entirety. His story serves as a reminder of the cost of creating such grandiose structures.
8. Valley of the Kings:
The Valley of the Kings, located near Luxor in Egypt, served as a burial ground for several pharaohs and members of the royal family. In 2008, the mummy of a young boy was discovered in the valley, surrounded by elaborate jewelry and artifacts, suggesting he too may have been related to the ancient royalty. Despite this evidence, the child’s true identity remains a mystery.
9. Roman Colosseum:
The Colosseum in Rome is famous for its gladiatorial battles and incredible feats of engineering. In 2015, it gained even greater notoriety when workers stumbled across a mummified corpse in the arena – thought to be one of the unfortunate souls who fought and lost in the brutal entertainment of ages past.
10. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone:
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone was created after the devastating nuclear disaster of 1986. Since then, the area has become a virtual ghost town, with homes and businesses abandoned due to radiation levels reaching unsafe levels. As nature reclaims this once bustling community, the occasional human remains can still be found scattered throughout the landscape.
As these sites prove, history often holds dark and gruesome secrets. From forgotten battlefields to catastrophic disasters, the stories behind each of these landmarks offer a fascinating glimpse into our collective past. Whatever your opinion on these mysterious finds, they serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.