The Ural is a natural border between Europe and Asia. These lands keep many secrets, which scientists and amateur researchers have been trying to solve for several centuries.
Ignatievskaya cave
For the first time this cave was described by the correspondent of the Imperial Academy of Sciences Peter Rychkov in the book "Topography of Orenburg" in 1762. It got its current name because of the legend about the elder Ignatius, who allegedly lived in a cave in the 19th century.
In the 80s of the XX century, Soviet researchers discovered a large number of microliths (miniature stone tools), rock paintings and animal remains here. But the pearl of this cave is a human silhouette protruding from the wall, located in one of the distant "halls".
Locals consider this to be the miraculous image of the Mother of God and sometimes come to her to pray. Scientists tend to believe that this image was carved from limestone by someone who lived here several centuries ago, and its good condition is due to the microclimate of the cave.
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Arkaim
This fortified settlement of the Bronze Age was discovered by accident. Archaeological expedition led by S. G. Batalova in June 1987 surveyed the site planned for the adjustment of the Bolshe-Karagan reservoir. The territory was considered unpromising in terms of finds, until archaeologists noticed the terrain, unusual for the steppe. Further excavations nullified all plans for the construction of the reservoir, but revealed to the world Arkaim. Until now, it has not been precisely established which of the cultures could have erected this settlement and for what. However, a group of scientists (who are treated with distrust in the academic community) have been trying to impose a theory of the Aryan origin of the city for several decades and consider it the "cradle of human civilization."
Dyatlov Pass
This is a pass located between Mount Kholatchakhl and height # 905. It received its name due to the events of February 1959. A group of nine tourists, led by Igor Dyatlov, had to ski 350 km in 16 days, climb Mount Otorten and go to the village of Vizhay. But the tourists never made it to the final point. After several months of search work, the bodies of the dead skiers were found, which had traces of strange injuries. Officially, the cause of their death is considered to be an irresistible elemental force. However, for more than 50 years, disputes about the cause of death of tourists have not subsided. Theories about snow people, aliens and secret developments of the Soviet military are increasingly heard. Meanwhile, no one has yet dared to back up their theories by repeating Dyatlov's route.
The people of Itkul
The shore of Lake Itkul is one of the most favorite places of archaeologists. According to their assurances, they never left here without "booty". Here were found traces of settlements of a previously unknown people - the Itkul people. Judging by the finds, they were excellent blacksmiths and metallurgists. It is believed that these people appeared there about three thousand years ago and after four centuries disappeared without a trace.
The Itkul settlements were the main place of trade between the northern and southern tribes of the Urals. Historians were prompted to this idea by a lot of objects made to imitate the steppe nomads, as well as traces indicating the presence of a large number of horses in the tribe, which is a very uncharacteristic thing for forest settlements.
Mount Azov
According to the generally accepted opinion, the name of the mountain comes from the Tatar word "azau", which means "tooth" or "fang". It is believed that the ghost of the "girl-Azovka" dwells here, and that many treasures were hidden here at different times. If the ghost is not a confirmed fact, then there is no doubt about the treasures.
In 1940, a group of schoolchildren led by the geologist Botanov on the top of Azov, under a small layer of soil, discovered 44 cult objects made of copper and bronze. A little later, a grotto was also discovered, in which there were 10 idols depicting birds and people. They were all facing east. The study of the found objects showed that they were made in the period from the 4th to the 2nd century BC by the Mansi tribes, who most likely used Mount Azov as an altar.
Golden woman
This is perhaps the most ancient and greatest mystery of the Urals. The first mentions of the golden idol date back to the ancestral sagas of the Vikings. During one of the campaigns, the northerners discovered a secret sanctuary, where they saw a statue of a woman holding a bowl full of silver coins. A necklace adorned her neck, and a gold crown adorned her head. It was also mentioned in the Russian chronicles of the late 14th century and in the books of Western European travelers of the 16th century. Modern researchers do not deny the possibility of the existence of the Golden Woman. In their opinion, it could be the idol of the ancient Komi deity, which the pagans took with them when they tried to avoid baptism.
Great moss swamp
The swamp is really big - 36 sq. kilometers. It is located in a tectonic depression, which is shaped like a bowl. Bigfoot, glowing balls and other devilry are most often seen in this place. According to geologists, this is due to natural gases that come out of a deep fault. The methane and carbon dioxide contained in them have a strong psychotropic effect on humans. Those who decide to wander through these swamps may experience hallucinations and become disoriented in space. Such walks are a rather risky activity, many of the daredevils never returned. Most likely, being poisoned by gases, they got lost and drowned in a swamp.