Many myths and legends seem far-fetched, but some have been proven to be based on real events or phenomena. From lost cities to mythical creatures, these tales have captured our imaginations for centuries. These 12 ancient myths turned out to be true, proving that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
The Lost City of Troy
The ancient city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s epic poem “The Iliad,” was long thought to be a myth. However, in the late 19th century, archaeologists discovered the ruins of a city in Turkey that matched the description of Troy. Further excavations revealed that the city had indeed been destroyed by war, just as the poem described.
The Existence of the Kraken
The kraken, a giant sea monster said to terrorize sailors in Nordic folklore, was once considered a mere legend. However, the discovery of giant squid species, some measuring up to 43 feet long, suggests that these tales may have been based on real encounters with these elusive creatures.
The Amazons: Female Warriors
The Amazons, a tribe of fierce female warriors, were often depicted in Greek mythology. While their existence was debated for centuries, recent archaeological findings in Russia and Kazakhstan have uncovered evidence of women buried with weapons and armor, suggesting that these warrior women may have been real.
The Medicinal Properties of Honey
Ancient Egyptians used honey as a medicinal treatment for various ailments, a practice that was once dismissed as a myth. However, modern scientific research has confirmed that honey possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective natural remedy for wounds and infections.
The Great Flood
Flood myths are present in numerous ancient cultures, from the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. While a global flood is unlikely, geological evidence suggests that catastrophic regional floods did occur in the past, which may have inspired these stories.
The Oracle of Delphi
The Oracle of Delphi, a priestess who delivered prophecies in ancient Greece, was long considered a mythical figure. However, archaeological excavations at the site of Delphi have revealed the remains of a temple complex, confirming the existence of this sacred place and its importance in ancient Greek society.
The Babylonian Astronomical Observations
The ancient Babylonians were known for their advanced astronomical knowledge, which was sometimes dismissed as mythology. However, the discovery of clay tablets containing detailed astronomical observations and calculations has proven that their understanding of the cosmos was far more advanced than previously believed.
The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines, a series of massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor in Peru, were once attributed to supernatural forces. However, research has shown that these intricate designs were created by the ancient Nazca people, who used simple tools and careful planning to create these impressive works of art.
The Eruption of Thera
The ancient Greek island of Thera (now known as Santorini) was said to have been destroyed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, a story that was long considered a myth. However, geological evidence and archaeological findings have confirmed that a massive eruption did occur around 1600 BCE, devastating the island and possibly inspiring the legend of Atlantis.
The Viking Sunstone
Viking legends spoke of a mysterious “sunstone” that allowed navigators to find their way even on overcast days. This myth was dismissed until the discovery of a crystal called Iceland spar, which has the ability to polarize light and could have been used as a navigational aid.
The Antikythera Mechanism
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek device found in a shipwreck, was initially dismissed as a myth due to its advanced technological features. However, further analysis has revealed that this complex geared device was used to calculate astronomical positions and predict eclipses, showcasing the impressive scientific knowledge of the ancient Greeks.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were long considered a myth due to the lack of archaeological evidence. However, recent studies suggest that the gardens may have actually been located in the ancient city of Nineveh, where traces of advanced irrigation systems have been discovered.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
