10 Accidental Archaeological Discoveries That Rewrote World History
From farmers unearthing an underground terra-cotta army to children chasing a dog into prehistoric caves, here are ten world-changing archaeological treasures discovered purely by accident.
4 hours agoVerified Editorial
⏱4 Min Read
◫11 Verified Slides
◫Slideshow Mode
10 Accidental Archaeological Discoveries That Rewrote World History
10. Derinkuyu Underground CityThe subterranean city was exposed when a homeowner knocked down a wall.
9. The Antikythera MechanismThe ancient astronomical computer was recovered by divers sheltering from a storm.
8. The Lascaux Cave PaintingsThe prehistoric animal murals were found when teenagers chased their lost dog.
7. The Venus De MiloThe legendary marble goddess was uncovered by a farmer searching for stones.
6. The Rosetta StoneThe trilingual stele was unearthed during wartime fortification work in Egypt.
5. The Dead Sea ScrollsThe ancient biblical manuscripts were discovered when a shepherd tossed a rock.
4. The Uluburun ShipwreckThe late Bronze Age ship was spotted by a diver collecting sponges.
3. Göbekli TepeThe prehistoric temple complex was recognized when a farmer cleared stone pillars.
2. The Terracotta ArmyThe thousands of imperial warriors were found while villagers were digging a well.
1. King Tutankhamun's TombThe pristine pharaoh's tomb was revealed after a water boy scraped gravel.
