Everyone loves a good mystery. There have been countless mysteries through history that have captured the public's imagination, from bizarre disappearances to strangearchaeological discoveries. Often, the greatest mysteries are the ones we've never come close to explaining. Much of our attraction to mysteries is in being drawn to the unknown, although from time to time it's nice to know the answers. A quantifiable explanation is behind even the most puzzling mysteries, and the answers that come from solving them have often expanded our knowledge of the world around us. This list takes a look at 10 solved mysteries, both old and new, that had truly remarkable explanations. From our understanding of ancient cultures to the truth behind seemingly disturbing discoveries, every one of these mysteries, along with the stories behind them, are sure to capture your imagination.
10. The Antikythera Mechanism
Mystery: This ancient analog computer was recovered in an ancient shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera. Incredibly, it was built 2000 years ago, dated between 150 and 100BC. For years, scientists and historians were unable to explain the actual purpose of the Antikythera mechanism. Explanation: Because it was under the sea for so long, the Antikythera was in an awful condition. However, thanks to advanced MRI scanning machines, it was possible to create a virtual map of how the whole thing fitted together, along with the inscriptions on each dial. Scientists were able to deduce that the mechanism was used as a calendar that could accurately count, while recording years, months, days and planetary alignments. Sadly, this kind of automaton technology was completely lost to antiquity for over 1,000 years, until astronomical clocks were (re)invented in Western Europe.
