There have been events that have changed the course of history. World War II, September 11, and the discovery of the Americas have all helped shape the world we live in today. But what about specific objects? Here are 4 objects that have been found that could dramatically alter the history of the world if they are proven to be authentic without a shadow of doubt.
1.) Kensington Runestone
The Kensington Runestone is a giant sandstone that was found near Kensington, Minnesota in 1898. The stone is covered in runes, which is a type of Germanic alphabet used by Scandinavians. The discovery of the stone suggests that Scandinavian explorers came to North America and explored the American Midwest almost a century before Columbus discovered the Americas. The authenticity of the Kensington Runestone has been debated since its discovery.
2.) Shroud of Turin
The Shroud of Turin is a piece of cloth that bears an image of a man with injuries consistent in the manner of crucifixion. Photo negatives have shown a face remarkably similar to that of Jesus Christ. Those who believe in the authenticity of the Shroud have suggested that this cloth is the burial shroud of Jesus Christ himself. Opponents of the Shroud’s authenticity have pointed to a radiocarbon dating that occurred in 1988. The results of that test showed the fibers in the linen were from the Middle Ages. The Shroud continues to be one of the most debated objects in history.
3.) Baghdad Battery
The Baghdad Battery is actually comprised of three things: A terracotta jar, an iron rod, and a copper cylinder. It is thought that this artifact was used for electroplating gold onto silver. If the electroplating theory is correct, it would be the first device in history that could generate electricity. It would predate the the invention of the electrochemical cell by over 1,000 years.
4.) Dendera Light
The Dendera Light is a series of stone reliefs in the Hathor Temple in Egypt. The traditional view held by most historians is that the relief depicts a lotus flower and a pillar, with a serpent inside. However, proponents of the “Ancient Astronaut” theory suggest that the reliefs depict a light bulb, not a lotus flower and snake. The theory also implies that the light bulb was given to the early Egyptians by aliens. If the Dendera Light is indeed a light bulb or some early form of it, it would precede even the Baghdad Battery as the first manipulation of electricity.
