While there are thousands of unexplained ancient structures to marvel at, most civilizations failed to leave a footnote for modern humans. In return, what they built and its purposes became challenging to study. Most of the time, however, these ancient civilizations, leaving ancient structures, were developed in isolation. This means they have different styles than the Mongolian Empire, Roman Empire, Egyptians, and the rest.
How Unexplained Ancient Structures Were Explained
Now, thankfully, unexplained ancient structures are no longer 'unexplained,' thanks to modern archeologists. According to the National Geographic Society, these experts studied unknown sites through modern technology, carbon dating, and further cross-disciplinary research.
Besides naming and linking these structures to civilizations and providing more explanations, modern archeology has helped preserve historic sites.
Top 5 Unexplained Ancient Structures Solved by Modern Archeologists
To explore how modern studies have helped us more in explaining ancient structures, this list assembled the top 5 unexplained ancient structures solved by modern archeologists.
An overhead view of Skara Brae Neolithic settlement, on the Orkney Islands, north of the Scottish Mainland on September 6, 2021. In the far north of the United Kingdom, where the wind blows and the sea rages, the islands of Orkney and Shetland have long relied on oil and gas for prosperity. But as supplies dwindle and the fight against climate change becomes more urgent, the islands off the northeast coast of Scotland are increasingly turning to renewables. (Photo : WILLIAM EDWARDS/AFP via Getty Images)1. Skara Brae, UK
Before it was discovered, Skara Brae was hidden under sand and earth, making it invisible to everyone. No one had any idea that an ancient village was buried beneath the surface.
According to Orkeynology, because Orkney is so remote and the design of Skara Brae was so unique, it was difficult to connect it to other Neolithic cultures in Europe. There was also no clear idea of when it was built, who lived there, or why it was abandoned, which created mystery and speculation about its origins. At the same time, the stone houses, furniture, and covered passageways at Skara Brae were very different from anything else found in the area. This made it hard to figure out their purpose or understand the people who built them.
Over time, Historic Environment Scotland noted that modern archaeology helped solve this unexplained ancient structure. In the 1920s, archaeologists began digging up the site and uncovered the entire village. This allowed them to study the houses, tools, and other objects found there in detail.
With the help of carbon dating, archaeologists were able to determine that Skara Brae was built around 3180 BC. They also learned more about the daily lives of its inhabitants through the study of the objects they left behind.
(Photo : South America Planet)2. Waqra Pukará, Peru
Even though Waqra Pukará is a large and detailed site, archaeologists were initially unsure about its true purpose. While some call it a fortress, there isn't much proof that it was used for defense. The site shows signs of different cultures, including the Inca, Pukará, Tiawanaku, Wari, and Canchis-which makes it hard to figure out which culture built it and why.
Located in a remote part of Peru, Waqra Pukará is hard to reach, which has slowed down research. Per BBC, its unique "horned" rock formations and triple-jamb door frames are different from other famous places like Machu Picchu.
Thanks to several excavations, modern archeologists uncovered structures and artifacts from the Inca period, showing that Waqra Pukará was used for ceremonies, not as a military fort or a home. Archaeologists like Oscar Montúfar found links to earlier cultures, like the Pukará, which suggests that Waqra Pukará was a sacred site used for ceremonies and pilgrimages over many centuries.
The discovery of the triple-jamb door frames, a rare feature for the most sacred Inca sites, reveals the site's deep religious importance. This detail suggests that Waqra Pukará was considered a holy place, perhaps even more revered than Machu Picchu.
(Photo : Wikimedia Commons)3. Priest Holes, UK
Priest holes in stately homes across the UK were considered unexplained ancient structures for several reasons. First, they were cleverly hidden, blending into the walls and floors of homes, making them hard to find and understand. Since using priest holes was illegal, there were very few written records about them.
These hidden spaces often looked like regular cupboards or storage rooms, so it was difficult for archaeologists and historians to recognize their true purpose.
According to Historical UK, during restoration work and excavations, archaeologists began to realize that priest holes were created to hide Catholic priests during the Reformation. Researchers studying the persecution of Catholics during Elizabeth I's reign found documents and personal stories, like those from Jesuit priests, that showed how priest holes were used for secret religious ceremonies and protection from persecution.
Katskhi Pillar is a 130-foot-tall stone column in a remote part of Georgia, making it hard to reach and study. At the top of the pillar are an old church, a burial chamber, and a cottage, which are unusual buildings to find in such a small, high place.
The height and narrow space raise questions about how and why this unexplained ancient structure were built there.
Turns out, the pillar has been used for spiritual retreats, most notably by Father Maxime Qavtaradze, who lived alone on top in the 1990s as a stylite, per CNN.
Archaeologists backed this up by digging at the base and top of the pillar, finding that the buildings date back to the 9th or 10th century and has been used as a place for spiritual retreat by religious ascetics seeking to live alone.
TEMPLE OF THE PUMA OR DOOR OF THE PUMA - MAY HAVE BEEN THE HARBOR OR MAY HAVE BEEN A TEMPLE OF LAW.. LOCATED 1 KM FROM THE MAIN COMPLEX (Photo : JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons)5. Puma Punku, Bolivia
Though signs of civilization in Bolivia's Tiwanaku region are thought to date back to around 536 AD, Puma Punku is believed to be much older, possibly almost 14,000 years old. This extreme age raises more questions about this ancient strucgture, than appreciation.
Per Design Times, it also does not help that the methods used to move and place the massive stone blocks at Puma Punku are not well understood. Theories suggest the use of llama-skin ropes or ramps, but there is no definitive evidence to confirm these methods.
Now, in the same Design Times report, Carbon dating and other methods have helped establish the site's timeline, suggesting it dates back to around 536 AD, though its origins might be older.
According to modern archaeology, as shared by Design Times, Puma Punku is an ancient temple in Bolivia's Tiwanaku region that features complex stonework with precisely cut blocks and sophisticated architectural elements, suggesting advanced construction techniques. The site was valuable to the Tiwanaku civilization and later revered by the Incas, who associated it with the creation of the world.
