Astonishing artifacts: A glimpse into how people lived in the past
Artifacts offer a window into the past, giving us information about people and cultures that existed centuries to millennia ago. From hoards of gold coins found hidden beneath floorboards to handmade pottery buried in caves, these intriguing objects are often the only physical evidence that remains. In some cases, the purpose or meaning of an artifact is lost to time, but its presence still reveals hints of what cultures valued or ritualized.
Each week, we showcase a different astonishing artifact that gives us new insight into how our ancestors lived.
Explore more amazing artifacts
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—32 stunning centuries-old hoards unearthed by metal detectorists
Latest about astonishing artifacts

Oseberg tapestry: Viking Age artwork from a boat burial that may depict the Norse tree of life
By Kristina Killgrove published
This tapestry also contains one of the only known depictions of a horned Viking helmet.

Hatnefer's heart scarab: An exquisite ancient Egyptian gold necklace inscribed with the Book of the Dead
By Kristina Killgrove published
A scarab beetle set in gold shows that ancient Egyptians thought the heart was the most important organ in the human body.

Hårby Valkyrie: A 1,200-year-old gold Viking Age woman sporting a sword, shield and ponytail
By Kristina Killgrove published
This tiny figurine may represent a mythical warrior maiden who assisted Odin, the Norse god of war.

Apulian rhyton: A 2,300-year-old Spartan-hound-shaped cup that was likely used at boozy bashes
By Kristina Killgrove published
This dog-shaped vessel was likely used for pouring wine, oil or blood in ancient rituals in what is now Italy.

Lviv pysanka: World's oldest Easter egg
By Kristina Killgrove published
A decorated duck egg discovered in a trash pit is the world's oldest "pysanka."

Słupcio: A 6,000-year-old amber 'gummy bear' that may have been a Stone Age amulet
By Kristina Killgrove published
This little bear carved out of amber might have been an amulet for a Stone Age hunter.

Pfyn culture flint tool: World's oldest known 'Swiss Army' knife
By Kristina Killgrove published
Over five millennia ago, Stone Age people in Central Europe crafted wooden handles for their stone tools.

Hohle Fels water bird: The oldest depiction of a bird in the world
By Kristina Killgrove published
This tiny bird sculpture was created 40,000 years ago by early humans in Europe who carved the key animals in their lives.

Tumaco-Tolita gold figurine: A 2,000-year-old statue with a 'fancy nose ornament' from a vanished South American culture
By Kristina Killgrove published
The Tumaco-Tolita people, who lived in an area rich in natural gold, crafted intricate and delicate metal objects until the group disappeared 1,500 years ago.
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