Everyone knows that there is a huge number of finds in Central and South America, however, there are many ancient and mysterious ones in North America.
1. Mysterious stone of Winnipesaukee
In 1872, near Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, a dark and smooth egg-shaped stone of the same name was discovered, about 10 centimeters high and 6.4 cm wide. A number of symbols and images are carved into its surface, including faces, ears of corn and teepees, as well as other unknown images. Naturally, questions immediately arose: who made it and what it is. One theory suggests that the stone may have been made by Native Americans to commemorate a peace treaty between the two tribes. Other theories claim the stone may be of Celtic or Inuit origin. However, the mystery was compounded even when scientists examined two holes in the stone (one at the top and the other at the bottom). These holes have been drilled with precision that is impossible without the use of modern tools.
2. Petroglyphs of an Indian cave
In Harrison County, West Virginia, a small cave was explored in the 19th century, within which a number of incredible prehistoric petroglyphs were discovered. These petroglyphs depict animals, including rattlesnakes and fish. The Indian Cave is unique in that its entrance has been sealed for thousands of years and has remained virtually unchanged. Archaeologists have determined that the red petroglyphs painted on the walls of the cave may have been the work of early Native Americans, but they cannot determine which culture these images belong to. The pottery found in the cave suggests that it was inhabited between 500 and 1675. Like other petroglyphs, the motivation behind their creation remains unclear.
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3. American Stonehenge
Near Salem, New Hampshire lie the ruins of what some believe to be an ancient settlement. Known today as American Stonehenge, the site is made up of numerous artificial stone chambers, walls, and other stone structures. The site has sparked a series of heated debates among historians and archaeologists regarding the origin and use of the complex. The most popular theory is that the structure was built by the Indians around 2,500 years ago and has been used for centuries as a site for religious ceremonies. Another popular theory suggests that the structures were created and used by Irish monks around AD 1000.
4. Power Point
"Power Poi" is a complex built by hunter-gatherers.
Louisiana has a vast complex of earthworks known as the Power Point. The complex contains a number of mounds and ridges and was built by Native Americans between about 1700 and 1100 BC. What makes Paverty Point particularly interesting is that it is the only known example of a large building of hunter-gatherer communities. Nobody knows what purpose this place served. Some archaeologists speculate that it was used for occasional ceremonial events, while others claim it was a permanent settlement. Likewise, it is not known what culture built Paverti Point.
5. Camera Upton
Hundreds of mysterious stone chambers and structures can be found throughout the countryside of New England. There are various theories as to who built these structures, including Native Americans, early settlers, Scandinavians, and Irish monks. One of the most impressive of these artificial cameras can be found in Upton, Massachusetts.
This hillside chamber has a long passageway that leads into an underground, domed, hive-like chamber. This camera reveals the fundamental knowledge of its builders about masonry, as well as how to build structures aligned astronomically. During the summer solstice, the entrance to the chamber is perfectly aligned with the position of the Sun in the sky, allowing full illumination of the inner dome.
6. Mound of the Great Serpent
The Great Serpent Mound is an ancient earth structure discovered in Ohio. This is a figured mound in the form of an animal, in this case a giant snake. Archaeologists were unable to understand what culture built it, when it was built and for what purpose. Radiocarbon dating has suggested that the mound may have been built around 1000 AD, however other studies suggest the mound may be about 2,000 years old. Some scholars believe that it was used in religious rituals and possibly during sacrifices. Others think it is a kind of calendar.
7. Petroglyphs of Lake Winnemacca
Near parched Lake Winnemacca, Nevada, archaeologists have unearthed the oldest petroglyphs in North America. They are located on a number of large boulders and differ in their design. On some of the boulders the images are round, while on others they are diamond-like. These petroglyphs are unique for several reasons: first, there are many more of them than other petroglyphs found in the United States. Second, they are at least 10,000 years old. Their origin and meaning is unknown. Although the petroglyphs are undoubtedly the work of early Native Americans, no one knows who these people were to this day.
8. Cahokia
Cahokia was the largest city in pre-Columbian North America, with a population of about 15,000. Founded in the fertile Mississippi Valley near present-day St. Louis, circa AD 700-1300. By all accounts, Cahokia was a complex urban society with a unique culture that fought with other tribes and also apparently practiced human sacrifice. Then suddenly the inhabitants of Cahokia disappeared without a trace. Historians have long argued about what happened, but did not come to a consensus. It has been suggested that deforestation, climate change, disease and fear of invasion may have contributed to this.
9. Penny in Maine
During the excavation of an Indian settlement in Maine in 1957, archaeologists found something amazing. A small coin of unknown origin lay in the ground. It was initially thought to be a 12th century British penny, but after further research years later, English researchers claimed it was a Norwegian coin. Experts from the University of Oslo said the coin was most likely minted between 1065 and 1080. It is the only pre-Columbian Scandinavian artifact ever found in the United States. How the almost 1000-year-old Norwegian coin got to the United States is still a mystery. Some are convinced that the coin is evidence of contact between the early Norse settlers in Newfoundland and mainland Native Americans.
10. Dayton rock
Daytona Rock is a 40-ton boulder that was discovered in the Taunton River near Daytona, Massachusetts in 1690. It is notable for mysterious petroglyphs that are unlike any previously known style. Over the years, many theories have been put forward as to who was the creator of the mysterious inscriptions. One of the most popular theories is that the stone was painted by the Norse Vikings in 1000 AD. Another popular theory suggests that the petroglyphs are the work of Native Americans. Also ancient Phoenicians, Portuguese or Chinese are "suspected" of their creation.