Astonishing artifacts: A glimpse into how people lived in the past

The unique map depicts patterns of stars in the night sky, but its meaning is debated.

This silver bull figurine posing in a human-like manner may have been buried in a ritual to mark a temple boundary 5,000 years ago.

Two cylindrical clay sculptures may represent dancers who performed at a funeral 1,500 years ago.

This extremely detailed depiction of insects holds clues to the natural world of the ancient Minoans.

Statues of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu are often found at archaeological sites, and his cultural relevance is seen in recent comparisons to creepy-looking Labubu dolls.

This unique disk-shaped bowl, found in a 5,000-year-old Egyptian tomb, has puzzled archaeologists for nearly a century.

Two brooches from Denmark are unique examples of Viking Age goldwork that includes Christian and Norse designs.

This 15-karat gold helmet was discovered in a royal tomb at Ur, but it may only have been worn for ceremonial purposes.

Experts have debated the meaning of this tomb offering for decades but generally agree it depicts some sort of ceremony or ritual.

There are more than 50 theories for the function of this 12-sided, pentagonal-faced bronze object — but archaeologists have never quite figured it out.