It is doubtful that anything we own today will last a decade, never mind a century or a few thousand centuries. It is amazing how paintings, riffles, armor, and many more highly regarded historical memorabilia can remain so well-preserved until today. If we were to consider climate conditions, wars, natural disasters, and just plain old deterioration, it was truly meant to be that so much of history still remains for us to see today. Every object carries with it a remarkable moment in history or tells the story of someone who used it, from 2,000-year-old sapphire rings to the first drawings to accurately depict the moon. A 2300 Year Old Scythian Woman's Boot, or a 3400 Year Old Painter's Palette, all well-preserved as if new, here are 35 Of The Oldest Human Creations That Still Surprise Us Today.
Michelangelo's Moses
The Moses sculpture exceeded the beauty known amongst Ancient Greek and Roman Sculptures. Sculptured by Michelangelo Buonarroti and commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb, depicts the biblical figure of Moses. The sculpture is almost 8 feet high and carries with it impeccable detail, right down to every muscle. Although Moses is seated the impeccable details created by Buonarroti reveal so much charge, a revolutionary sculpture that carries so much meaning.
The extraordinary Moses sculpture currently resides in Rione Monti, in Rome, the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, open to tourists and locals to admire. Anyone who finds themselves in the vicinity should definitely pay it a visit.
2000 Year Old Sapphire Ring
The 2,000-year-old sapphire ring once belonged to an ancient Roman emperor, Caligula, and has a long and fascinating history. The beautiful sapphire ring has a detailed carving portrait of Caligulas’ wife Caesonia, which is incredibly difficult to achieve. Sapphire is extremely delicate and would have taken quite a lot of skill to cut and polish in the detail that was achieved. Despite the love and beauty the ring carries, the relationship between the emperor and his lover ended quite dark.
Along with their daughter, Caesonia was murdered shortly after her husband was killed. The ring was later sold during various auctions, along with his other jewels, which are believed to have disappeared into private collections.
15,000 Year Old Hut
Excavations over the years have uncovered what is presumed to be 25,000-year-old perfectly preserved huts built entirely from Mammoth Bones. They were found by excavators along the Dniepr river valley of Ukraine, Moravia, Czech Republic, and in southern Poland. Possibly one of the oldest dwellings dated between 23,000 BCE and 12,000 BCE, constructed by prehistoric man, some of which were constructed by a total of 149 mammoth bones.
We can just imagine the strength and skill it took to build these huts, with the bones weighing hundreds of pounds, it is incredible to assume how they were so well preserved.
The Veiled Christ, 1753
Considered one of the world's most extraordinary sculptures, The 1753 Veiled Christ sculpture by Neapolitan artist Giuseppe Sanmartino is placed at the center of the nave of the Sansevero Chapel, Italy. Carved from marble the piece represents Jesus upon dying, covered by a thin sculpted veil. It is rumored that the veil was made of real fabric which had undergone a transformation into rock, achieved through the application of a substance created by the famous alchemist, Prince of San Severo.
The incredible detail from the veil to the visible detail of the veins makes it look almost lifelike, and for that, an incredibly fascinating work of art.
1,500 Year Old Ceramic Maya Figurine
Costumed figurines from the 7th-8th century typically represent types of individuals in the Pre-Columbian Maya culture, warriors, gods, and other divine or sacred entities that were looked up to. The figurine depicted in this image is of a dwarf boxer, El Perú-Waka', Petén, Guatemala, and resides in the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, Guatemala. It is incredible to think about all the well-preserved artifacts that are hiding away amongst us, waiting to be found.
Representing a ‘dwarf’ ready to engage in a ritual boxing to bring ‘life-giving rains’. Each individual sculpture represents a sacred and supernatural time in the Maya culture, and we are in awe of their history and meaning.
Drawings Of The Moon, 1609
There is something about what is unattainable to us that makes humans want to understand it even more. The moon is one of those magical things that has taken humans centuries and many attempts to figure out. But way before Neil Armstrong, there was Galileo Galilei, was an astronomer amongst many more notable things. Galilei is most famous for the set of six watercolors of the moon in its various phases.
He drew this while he looked through a telescope in the autumn of 1609. They were a representation of the first realistic depiction of the moon in history.
Prague's Astronomical Clock, 1410
The famous medieval tower clock known as The Prague Astronomical Clock is attached to the Old Town Hall, Prague. This work of art was installed in 1410, residing on the southern side of the Old Town Hall Tower, is one of the oldest astronomical clocks still operating today. The three main components of the clock represent the position of the sun and moon in the sky, the catholic saints, and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months in the year.
According to an urban legend, the clock must remain well preserved and looked after, otherwise, the city will suffer. The entire clock is a work of extraordinary art and is notably the city's most sacred historical landmark.
17th-Century Ottoman Three-Mast Tent
Ottoman art was the most dominant of Turkish art before the 20th century, notably the 16th and 17ht centuries presenting the most prominent period for art in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Turkish tents were amongst these extraordinary works of art that have survived and have been well-preserved today in many museum collections in Europe. The Three-Mast Tents were a fascinating type often because of the difference in their structure, embroidered fabric twirled around thick wooden planks, these tents were and remain, works of art.
Used predominantly for military campaigns, ceremonies, and celebrations, these tents symbolized a rich culture and celebrated tradition and continue to express the ancient Turkish culture today.
Hercules Armor, 1555
The Hercules Armor which was made for Archduke Maximilian II in 1555-60 is covered entirely in artwork depicting mythological scenes. The armor symbolized the claim of power of the Habsburg Empire under the ruling of Emperor Charles V. The Armor remains well preserved in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wienn, in Vienna, Austria. The museum carries an extraordinary collection of Mannerism art, along with the Hercules Armor, which now includes an online service.
Although definitely not the same experience, if we can’t be in Vienna, then online will have to do. It’s truly remarkable how much history one item can hold and the stories it tells centuries after it was made, the Hercules Armor definitely does not fall short of amazing history and great stories.
2300 Year Old Scythian Woman's Boot
It’s hard to believe that anything we own today will last centuries, especially shoes. But it seems the same doesn’t go for the well preserved 2,300-year-old Scythian woman’s boot, which was found frozen, in the Altai mountains. Discovered in a Scythian burial mound in Siberia’s Mountains, the red cloth embellished leather boot was found in 1948, along with weapons, clothes, and other personal items.
Scythians were known to bury their dead with various amounts of belongings which they believed will possibly come in handy in the afterlife. Hopefully she's enjoying it wherever she is.
Samurai Helmet, 1700s, Japan
Armor was a way for a samurai to display his personality and status, often they were very intimidating, although an octopus isn’t the scariest animal in many cultures it represents vitality. This particular samurai helmet is believed to have been made during the end of the 16th century and is one of 200 displayed in the Japanese armory section in the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy.
Made from steel plates, leather, and silk threads, this beautiful workmanship, and the precious metal materials used are all indications that the helmet belonged to a high-ranking samurai.
Inca Wall, Cusco, 1400's
Cusco, a beautiful city in southeastern Peru is packed with colonial history and is one of Peru's most populated cities. Not only is it magnificent and full of people, but it is also full of tourists because of its well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Inca Wall. Scattered throughout the city, the wall remains strong and so artistically crafted, it’s no wonder people are constantly flocking to enjoy this immaculate city.
The Inca wall can be seen throughout the southeast of the Plaza de Armas along the alley of Loreto. On the right-hand side, the wall belongs to Amarucancha, and northeast from the Plaza de Armas belongs to Hatunrumiyoc, both sides full of their own history.
'Unswept Floor' Mosaic, 2nd Century CE
The ‘Unswept Floor’ mosaic created by mosaicist Sosus of Pergamon 2nd century CE, depicts an ancient Roman dining room floor after a celebration or a feast. Scraps of food, a little mouse nibbling on leftovers in the corner give us an exact vision of a moment in history. Although it is trash, it is considered the luxurious type of trash, with food only the wealthy could have attained, symbolizing high stature and omission rather than its contrast.
Only the elite of Roman society could attain such an extravagant lifestyle, an incredibly arbitrary but symbolic piece of art, that makes more sense the more we understand its history.
2,000 Year Old Roman Bathhouse, Khenchela, Algeria
Still in use after 2,000 years, the famous Roman Bathhouse is still one of Khenchela’s main attractions. Hammam Essalhine is an old public Bathhouse from the Roman period still in use by locals and tourists today. Still, well-preserved the Hammam Essalhine stands strong but continues to carry its historical and ancient aesthetic. The tourist flytrap is a therapeutic site situated in the middle of mountains and forests, making it absolutely hard not to enjoy.
At a soothing temperature of around 70°C, the water's chemical balance gives the exact therapeutic properties that have been known to benefit those suffering from rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological diseases.
Skull And Coiled Snake, Japan, Edo Period, 1860
The early 1600 to the mid to late 1800 was known as the Edo period in the history of Japan. Amongst its chaos this period was distinguished by an enjoyment of the culture and arts, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Hokusai’s, is well known today and one of the most famous pieces of the Edo period. The ivory carving of a skull and coiled snake with carnelian eyes, 1860 is made completely of ivory with red carnelian stones used as eyes for the snake.
Although skulls and snakes might not be for everyone, this piece is hypnotizing enough to create mystery rather than the expected discomfort.
Abuna Yemata Guh Paintings, 5th Century
‘Art is everywhere,’ we hear this all time, but in this case, it is literally everywhere! Even in the places, you would least expect. Situated at a height of 2,580 meters and has to be climbed on foot to reach, the Abuna Yemata Guh is a monolithic church, in the Hawzen woreda of the Tigray Region in Ethiopia. The paintings on the walls are still so well preserved, figures depicted from the Old Testament, themed around the nine saints and twelve apostles.
There is nothing more thrilling than being in the sight of historical 15th-century art from over 8000 feet, although the hike up might be a little tedious we’re sure it’ll be more than worth it by the time we get there.
An Inuit Otter Amulet, C. 1870-1880
Engraved and Pigmented entirely of ivory, the Inuit otter amulet, 1870-1880 is one of the smallest sculptures to be solely dedicated to one animal. A very sweet sculpture, the Inuit otter is shown swimming on its back with its front paws placed on its face. The Arctic native hunters often described using amulets such as these to help in gilding animals to them, which this sculpture is described to symbolize.
Only 3 ½ inches in length, the detailing of the engraved ribs and the dots and drill holes along the body are incredible to see. The dots along the ribs and the tail are believed to represent passages throughout transformational stages of one's individual journey. A small piece of art, but full of meaning.
5,000 Year Old Crystal Spearhead, Spain
Ancient objects once belonging to prehistoric civilizations have continuously been found all over the world over the centuries. An excavation team during 2007-2010 uncovered a dagger made from rock crystal in Spain. Estimated to be about 5,000 years old, at almost 8.5 inches long, the arrowhead was almost in perfect condition considering how old it is. Carved completely by hand, arrowheads have been used in prehistoric times, particularly by Native Americans as weapons and tools.
Today Arrowheads remain a popular accessory made from natural mineral stones, used commonly as accessories and jewelry. They continue to symbolize strength and purity and remain a very sacred symbol of prehistoric history.
4000 Year Old Preserved Wagon, Armenia
The unearthing of ancient artifacts continues to astonish us, but possibly the most astounding would have been the wagons found in the Lchashen village. The wagons were so well preserved it was incredible to imagine the history they carry, and how they remain standing so strong, as if almost new. There were over a dozen found at the time, two of which are currently displayed and can be seen in the National Museum of Armenia.
The wagons are made entirely of oak, with the inner surface covered in fabric. It’s hard to imagine that these wagons have carried so many different people and their stories over time, and continue to tell one today just by existing.
Chand Baori, India
A place much like no other we have possibly seen, The Chand Baori is a stepwell that was built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village, Rajasthan. One of the most magnificent historical landmarks today, The Chand Baori is also one of the largest step wells in the world. Built by King Chanda sometime in the 9th century, the stepwell has 3,500 very narrow steps descending 20 steep meters to the bottom of a well of water.
Today, it would be difficult to use the stepwell as it was used in the past, but continues to be an extraordinary piece of landmark art, attracting many visitors and locals alike.
Da Vinci Globe, 1504
One of the oldest known globes to depict the new world, the Da Vinci Globe, 1504, was made by none other than Leonardo da Vinci. Every time we art enthusiasts feel like we have a grasp on the best-known piece of work this famous artist has created, we get surprised by something even more extraordinary than the works of art that exist.
According to Cambridge Scholars Publishing, the globe “marks the first time ever that the names of countries such as Brazil, Germania, Arabia and Judea have appeared on a globe.”
Byzantine Burial Inscription
In January 2020 a 13-year-old boy discovered a 1500-year-old stone slab in Israel while out looking for mushrooms. According to Medievalists.net and archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority had taken the item, and said it was believed to be a “Byzantine-era burial inscription, about 1500 years old”. Archeologist Dr.Pete Gendelman from the Israel Antiquities Authority had explained that the marble slab had Greek engraved inscriptions.
“This is a burial inscription – a marble slab with an inscription engraved in Greek, and started with a cross. The slab, which apparently indicated the grave’s location in the cemetery and the identity of the deceased, reads: “The grave of Anastasius, or Anastasia," Gendelman explained.
2000 Year Old Temple of Hathor, Dendera, Egypt
The Temple of Hathor covers about 40,000 square meters and is surrounded by desert. Located about 2.5 kilometers southeast of Dendera, Egypt, the Temple of Hathor is one of the most well-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Beside the Temple of Hathor there are three temples to view, and a sacred pool that is still open for people to explore, not swim in though unfortunately.
The name Hathor means the Egyptian sky goddess of sexual love, fertility, music, and dancing, Hathor translating to “House of Horus.” The temple is one of the most sacred of historical landmarks in Egypt and is truly an extraordinary sight to see.
German Hunting Knife And Gun, 1528-29
The hunting knife combined with a wheellock pistol is a combination most often used during the 16th century. During this time wheellock pistols were often combined with swords, knives, axes, spears, and sometimes even crossbows, which served as a backup if there was to be a pistol misfire or malfunction. New inventions were always a thing of curiosity, but whether they were practical or not begged to differ.
Nonetheless, when you find a pistol and hunting knife hybrid from the 16th century, practicality isn’t high on the list. Amusement, though, would definitely be.
9000 Year Old Cave Painting, Tassili Cave, Algeria
Today, painting requires hundreds, even thousands of dollars worth of high-quality materials. But cave paintings are definitely evidence that you don’t need to break the bank to create something meaningful and symbolic. Cave art, generally paintings and engravings found in caves, have dated back to roughly 40,000 years ago. Stone Age cave paintings have existed and been celebrated for thousands of years, and remain of great value in history today.
So next time we procrastinate the idea of getting artsy or blame it on not having all these expensive materials, cave paintings say otherwise.
Cabin On Board The Aachen, 1915, Baltic Sea
Besides the slimy critters that lurk beneath the sea, we always wonder what other things may be deep down, hidden beneath the surface. The Baltic Sea is known for its eerie shipwrecks, with close to 100,000 shipwrecks at depths of 360ft. Warships and cargo from the 17th century and wrecks from World War II can all be found in the depths of the Baltic Sea.
Many appear frozen in time, the Titanic has absolutely nothing on these shipwrecks, and the chills we get looking at pictures of them, deep down, carrying so much history.
Breastplate Armor of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, 1549
The suit of plate armor created by Kunz Lochner, a Nuremberg armorer, was made for Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1549. One of many suits of armor made for the Emperor, but possibly the most detailed and extraordinary. The image of the Virgin and Child on the breastplate, crossed staves and firesteels, and the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, is an impeccable work of art.
The armor currently resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The engravings can be seen up close, like taking a trip back in time.
Hitler's Telephone
In 2017 the telephone used by Hitler during World War Two was sold for $243,000 at a US auction, the buyer bid over the phone and remains anonymous. The red phone was found in the Nazi leader’s Berlin bunker in 1945, with his name engraved on it. Shortly after the surrender of Germany, Soviet soldiers gave the phone to British officer Sir Ralph Rayner as a souvenir, and it was later sold by an auction house.
The phone has been labeled by many including the Washington Post as the “weapon of mass destruction”, as it was said to have been used by Hitler to give orders that took countless lives during the war.
2000 Year Old Glass Mosaics, Zeugma, Turkey
2,000-year-old mosaics were found and saved from a destructive flood, dating back to the second century BC, in an ancient Greek settlement of Zeugma, Turkey. Despite how old they were, the mosaics were surprisingly found in excellent condition, unearthed after over five years of archeological excavations. Three mosaics were uncovered at the time, one depicting the nine Muses of Greek mythology, the second depicting the figures of Oceanus and his wife Tethys, and the third with an unidentified young man.
It is truly remarkable how well preserved the mosaics were despite spending so much time in different climates, centuries in fact. What is even more remarkable is that we get the opportunity to admire art that ages so gracefully.
14000 Year Old Bisons Sculptures, Le Tuc D'Audoubert Cave, France
The Cave of the Trois-Freres is located in the southwest of France and is most commonly famous for its cave paintings. The art of the cave dates back to approximately 13,000 BC, making the old Bisons sculpture found in the cave, almost 14,000 years old. The sculpture is a pair of bison made from the clay taken from the walls of the cave. The detail visible in the sculpture is impeccable, and to have lasted all these centuries although made from clay is only just one of the many extraordinary things about the piece.
Objects such as these clearly show the evolution of art, and the way clay was used for artistic expression before the actual firing and handling of clay were discovered.
Ottoman-Era Birdhouse
Beautiful and thoughtful birdhouses that were amazingly functional were a key feature in the architecture in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. In addition to providing shelter, they were also thought to grant good deeds to those around them and those who built the tiny homes. The birdhouses were fixed to the outer walls of buildings, providing a safe place for birds to live and lay their eggs. They were often built to mimic the shapes of the buildings they were on, a thoughtful and artistic architectural monument, becoming of great significance for the Turkish citizens.
Many of the birdhouses no longer exist due to restorations and alterations made to the original buildings, but of the oldest surviving birdhouse, it can be located on the Büyükçekmece Bridge in Istanbul.
Mourning Clothes, Funeral Of King Karl XIV Johan Of Sweden in 1844
There is something monumental about clothing so artistically chosen that even after his death it remains as an artifact. The mourning clothes worn by count Magnus Brahe at the funeral of King Karl XIV Johan of Sweden in 1844, are possibly the most extravagant and magnificent attire we’ve seen anyone wear to a funeral. Count Magnus Brahe 1790-1844, was a Swedish statesman and soldier, and king Karl XIV Johan of Sweden’s most influential favorite.
Today he continues to live on, through the history that remains a part of so many people's lives, and who can forget the inspired batman suit, we definitely won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
3400 Year Old Painter's Palette, Egypt, Amenhotep III Era
The painter’s palette inscribed with the name of Amenhotep III 1390-1352 B.C was carved entirely from a single piece of ivory. The six oval well containing blue, green, brown, yellow, red, and black pigments currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The 3,400-year-old painter’s palette is still so well preserved that the pigments still remain so well maintained into their wells as if they had just been used.
The Metropolitan has commented on the well-preserved palette, “despite its age, the palette still closely resembles many of today’s artistic tools”.
2000 Year Old Ancient ‘Beware of Dog’ Sign, Pompeii, 1st Century AD
Unlike most “Beware of Dog” signs, this one is definitely the most creative and permanent we’ve ever seen. The incredibly preserved tile mosaic from some 2000 years ago, this sign is the most ancient that has ever been discovered. The mosaic still resides at the House of the Tragic Poet, a Roman building in Pompeii, Italy, and is famous for its extravagant mosaic floors depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
Suffice to say, today a mat or a sign is enough to keep predators at bay, but there is definitely something to be truly appreciated of the craftsmanship of a permanent floor mosaic.
8 Mile Ice Age Drawings, Amazon Rainforest
This incredible 8-long canvas drawn with ochre was found on the hills above three rock shelters in the Colombian Amazon. Excavations revealed that these camps were some of the earliest human-occupied sites in the Amazon, with the paintings depicting what the hunter possibly ate. Mark Robinson, an archeologist at the University of Exeter, analyzed the rock and explained, “These really are incredible images, produced by the earliest people to live in western Amazonia.”
These paintings are possibly over 12,000 years old, toward the end of the last ice age. Although a devastating time for so much of civilization at the time, it is truly remarkable the withstanding force this canvas amongst so much more survived.