Four mysterious monuments
01 - Japan - Masuda Iwafune
The Masuda Iwafune, an ancient rock boat built during Japan's Asuka period, is one of those remarkable ancient monuments that has raised more questions than answers over the past few years. Located on a hillside near Asuka Village, the Masuda Iwafune's origin, purpose, and significance remain a mystery. This enigmatic monument is the largest rock formation found in the region, measuring 11 meters (36 feet) x 8 meters (26 feet) and 4.5 meters (15 feet) high, and is made from solid granite. This means the ancient rock boat weighs approximately 100 tons. The monument has two holes in the center, each about 1 square meter, that lead to the ground. In fact, it is said that to date, no one has fully understood how the ancients built this monument or what its original purpose was. Experts have noted that a linear projection at the top of the structure runs parallel to the top of the hill, and that the sun aligns strangely well with the day known as the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox was a very important day in Japan's ancient agricultural calendar, marking the beginning of the farming season.
02 - Guatemala - Giant Stone Head
Many researchers agree that the jungles of Guatemala and the surrounding countries hold great secrets of a powerful civilization that once ruled the region in ancient times. From ancient temples to mystical civilizations, anything can be found in these mysterious jungles. One of the most enigmatic discoveries is the colossal stone head of Guatemala. The initial report came in 1987 when Dr. Rafel Padilla received a photograph of the mysterious monument found in the Guatemalan jungle. The photograph had been taken in 1950 by the landowner of the site where it was discovered. Even more enigmatic, the colossal stone head is said to have thin lips, a long nose, a face turned towards the sky, and a massive body hidden underground. Researchers point out that the facial features of this colossal stone statue have Caucasian characteristics that do not match any known pre-Columbian tribe in the Americas.
Unfortunately, before researchers could examine this magnificent sculpture, it was destroyed by rebels and militias and used as a shooting practice.
03 Egypt - The Sunken City of Heraklion
Many people believed Heracleion was merely a myth, like Atlantis. Heracleion is the Greek name for this ancient city, though it was called Thonis by the ancient Egyptians. The city was known to many ancient Greek philosophers, and Herodotus also mentions it in several of his works, but its existence was not confirmed until the 19th century. Among the discovered items were colossal statues of ancient Egyptian goddesses Isis and Harpies, and enigmatic pharaohs, all found in remarkably good condition. Hundreds of smaller statues were also discovered, some belonging to Cleopatra. Numerous religious artifacts were found, belonging to gods such as Isis, Osiris, and Horus, the supreme gods of ancient Egypt. Underwater archaeologists also discovered numerous sarcophagi containing mummified animal remains dedicated to Amun Gereb, the supreme god of the Egyptians.
04 Cambodia - Angkor Wat
Mount Phuong Kulen, located just 40 kilometers north of the metropolis that would later reach its peak, is the birthplace of the great Cambodian Empire, which dominated much of Southeast Asia, and the site that gave rise to Angkor, perhaps one of the most magnificent religious centers in human history. Angkor is the site of Nagara in Sanskrit, meaning "holy city," and the location of the famous Angkor Wat temple. However, it was Phuong Kulen that first appeared. Phuong Kulen was a sacred temple reflecting Hindu influences, adorned with statues of local deities and the Hindu god Vishnu. It also had a cleverly designed water supply system to support Cambodia's first capital. The Cambodian Empire dominated much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries, finding its finest expression in Angkor. However, elements of Phuong Kulen were later reflected and expanded upon in Angkor. Angkor is evidence of a highly engineered system to propel and sustain a lost civilization. In the 12th century, the adoption of Buddhism inscribed their mark on the temples of Angkor.