30 World Secrets That Will NEVER Be Revealed
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Joshua Garvin
From ancient mysteries to modern-day enigmas, some secrets continue to baffle humanity. Join us as we explore the most intriguing unsolved mysteries, hidden locations, and closely guarded secrets that remain locked away from public knowledge. From vanished treasures to classified military installations, these mysteries continue to captivate our imagination. Our countdown includes the mysterious Voynich Manuscript, the lost tomb of Genghis Khan, the secrets of Area 51, the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, and many more baffling mysteries that may never be solved! Which do you most want to be revealed?
30 World Secrets That Will NEVER Be Revealed
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest secrets and mysteries from all over the world that will likely remain secret forever.
Man of the Hole
Deep in Brazil's Amazon rainforest lived the "Man of the Hole," the last member of an uncontacted Indigenous tribe. His nickname came from the deep holes he dug. They were often filled with spikes, suggesting that they were for hunting or self-defense. It's believed that settlers and ranchers hired gunmen to kill the rest of his people starting in the 1970s. Our hole digger was the sole survivor, choosing to live in complete isolation for decades. He resisted all attempts at contact, becoming a symbol of Indigenous resilience. To this day, many elements of his existence are shrouded in mystery. What was his name? What language did he speak? What was the true purpose of the holes? In August 2022, he was found dead in his hut, and as such the answers to these queries died with him.
Attila the Hun's Chat with Pope Leo I
It was the year 452 C.E., and the seemingly unstoppable army of Attila the Hun had advanced into Italy. Pope Leo I, desperate to protect Rome, set out for a private meeting with Attila near Mantua. Legend has it that a vision of Saints Peter and Paul armed with swords appeared there. In truth, we will never know exactly what was discussed. We do know that, after this meeting, Attila spared Rome from assault. Did Leo frighten Attila with the power of religion and superstition, or was persuasion unnecessary thanks to Attila's logistical challenges? Did he bribe the warlord with treasure? Whether it was politics, pragmatism, or fear of divine retribution, Attila retreated and Leo gained a reputation as a persuasive leader.
The Paternity of Caesarion[a]
In 47 BCE, Queen Cleopatra gave birth to a boy: Ptolemy XV. The young king was also known by another name: Caesarion. Cleopatra flaunted him as Caesar's heir, and the Emperor acknowledged the boy as his own when she brought him to Rome three years later. After Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra fled back to Egypt with her son in tow where he was declared co-ruler of Egypt. At the time, many Roman contemporaries cast doubt on Caesarion's true lineage. We will never know whether Caesarion was the true-born heir to Rome, or if those doubts were part of a political plot. We do know that Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, saw Caesarion as a threat to his claim. Octavian had his 'brother' assassinated in 30 BCE.
Voynich Manuscript
Imagine a book that’s part botanical guide, part astrological manual, and part complete and utter mystery. The Voynich manuscript, carbon-dated to the early 15th century, is a 240-page enigma. It's filled with both bizarre illustrations and text in an undeciphered script. Discovered by rare book dealer Wilfrid Voynich in 1912, it has since baffled cryptographers, linguists, and scholars alike. Some believe it's a medieval cipher. Others think it's an elaborate hoax. Despite numerous claims of cracking its code, the manuscript's true meaning remains elusive. Is it an ancient herbal, a secret alchemical text, or the Dungeons & Dragons manual of the Middle Ages? Until someone deciphers it, the Voynich manuscript keeps its secrets close, inviting both fascination and frustration.
Princes in the Tower
Two young princes vanished without a trace, and England was never the same. In 1483, Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, were locked away in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard III. Officially, they were awaiting Edward’s coronation. Instead, their uncle took the throne, and the boys vanished from the tower without a trace. Centuries later, bones were discovered in the Tower. Without DNA confirmation that they belong to the brothers, their fate remains a mystery. Recently, another clue emerged: a chain belonging to Edward V was found in the will of Lady Margaret Capell[b], a relative of an alleged accomplice to their murder. This discovery strengthens the theory that Richard III ordered their murders.
The Bay of Jars
In the 1980s, treasure hunter Robert Marx made a startling discovery. One that promised to upend history as we know it. He discovered Roman amphorae - ancient jars - beneath Brazil's Guanabara Bay[c]. This find suggested that Romans might have somehow reached South America before any other European. The excitement was short-lived. A Brazilian businessman, Americo Santarelli, claimed ownership of the jars. He said that in the 1960s he had commissioned replicas of Roman amphorae and submerged them in the bay to achieve an aged, barnacle-encrusted appearance. The mystery, though, is further complicated. The jars were examined by a classics expert from MIT who confirmed their authenticity. Without permission by the government to excavate the site, we'll never know whether the Romans truly made it to Brazil.
Havana Syndrome
Since 2016, U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers from postings around the world - starting with Cuba - have reported mysterious symptoms. This combination of dizziness, headaches, and cognitive issues has since been dubbed "Havana Syndrome." The true cause remains elusive. Some experts suggest mass psychogenic illness, where stress and fear manifest as physical symptoms. Others propose environmental factors, like exposure to pesticides or malfunctioning surveillance equipment. A 2022 report by the Director of National Intelligence offered mixed findings. It found that pulsed electromagnetic energy and ultrasound were plausible causes for some cases, while psychogenic factors could explain others. Despite extensive investigations, no definitive cause has been identified.
Hapsburg Napkin Fold
The Habsburg Napkin Fold, also known as the Imperial Napkin Fold, is a closely guarded secret within Austrian tradition. The napkin, when complete, resembles both a bishop's hat and a fleur-de-lis. This intricate fold has been a hallmark of Austrian state banquets since the Habsburgs ruled Austria. Only two individuals at any given moment are entrusted with the knowledge of this folding technique. The method is passed down orally, with each custodian selecting and instructing a successor before their death. Despite public displays of the folded napkin in museums and numerous attempts to replicate it, the authentic technique remains elusive. People have attempted to replicate it, but the exact procedure is still a mystery.
What Happened to Jimmy Hoffa?
Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance is the mafia mystery that just won’t die. On July 30, 1975, the former Teamsters boss vanished from a Detroit parking lot. Was he meeting with mobsters? Probably. Did he live happily ever after? Definitely not. Hoffa was officially declared dead in 1982, but no body was ever found. Over the years, rumors of his fate have circulated. Some claimed he was buried in one of a series of strange locations. Others say he was dissolved in acid or encased in cement. The FBI has conducted countless searches, including one as recently as 2022. Hoffa remains missing. With his mob ties and countless enemies, it’s likely we’ll never know the full truth.
Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, a remote island in the Indian Ocean, has a long, complicated history. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1512, it spent decades as a French leper colony and coconut plantation. Most recently, under UK control, it's been a pivotal U.S. military base. Its location makes it invaluable to Middle East operations and as an alleged submarine base. Beyond its strategic value, the island is also shrouded in controversy. The native Chagossian[d] inhabitants were forcibly removed in the 1970s to make way for military installations. In the last few decades, reports have surfaced alleging its use as a CIA "black site" for detaining and interrogating terror suspects. Access to the island is incredibly restricted, and the public will never know what truly happens there.
Metro-2
You may have heard about the British ‘shadow cabinet,’ but have you heard of a Russian shadow subway? Rumors have swirled for almost a century about ‘Metro-2,’ a secret subway running parallel to the Moscow metro. Codenamed D-6 by the KGB, this clandestine network was allegedly built during the rule of Joseph Stalin. It lacks public entrances, but could be used as a shelter in the event of an aerial assault on Moscow. In times of crisis, while panicked civilians crowd onto the public metro, government officials could easily escape the city using the trains in Metro-2, which are supposedly battery-powered. Despite widespread speculation, the Russian government has never acknowledged the system’s existence, nor officially released any details of its function.
The Lost Recipe for Greek Fire
Centuries before Oppenheimer created a superweapon by splitting the atom, the Byzantine Empire ruled the Mediterranean with a superweapon of their own. Known as Greek Fire, this formidable tool has somehow eluded a concrete definition, with some simply referring to it as liquid fire that could never be extinguished by water. The recipe of this weapon was held as a closely-guarded secret, and with it, the Byzantium resisted Muslim conquests for centuries. Unfortunately, the danger of tightly-held secrets is that they can easily be forgotten. By the fourth crusade, the Eastern Roman Empire lost the recipe, and was ultimately annihilated in the subsequent centuries. Though historians and chemists have tried to recreate the recipe, they have never been successful.
Tesla's Missing Papers
History buffs may know about the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison in the nascent days of electrical power. But did you know that after his death in 1943, some of Tesla’s research mysteriously disappeared? Tesla was allegedly working on particle beam weapons that, if successful, could’ve altered the outcome of World War II. The day after his death, his nephew, the Yugoslavian ambassador to the U.S., discovered that his notebook and many crucial documents were missing. As the FBI didn’t trust Tesla’s nephew with his sensitive research, they later confiscated all of the scientist’s items. Although some of Tesla’s work was returned to his family years later, a significant portion of it has never been found.
Oliver Cromwell's Head
Oliver Cromwell was a leading Parliamentarian during the British Civil Wars of the 17th century, seizing control of the nation through a military coup. Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector for five years, before dying of natural causes. Shortly after his death, the monarchy regained authority. King Charles II then ordered the exhumation of Cromwell’s body so he could be posthumously executed. Cromwell’s head was removed afterwards and put on display in London for at least two decades. Over the next three centuries, it passed between private collectors of creepy historical objects, occasionally giving rise to fake replicas. The final owner decided to secretly bury the head on the campus of Sidney Sussex College, which Cromwell attended. Its exact location there remains unknown.
Copper Scroll Treasure
In the 1940s and ‘50s, archaeologists found a treasure trove of ancient Jewish manuscripts in the Qumran Caves of the West Bank. Collectively, they became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. One of these manuscripts was different from the others, inscribed on copper plates instead of parchment and papyrus. This unique document, referred to as the Copper Scroll, not only differed in its material but also in its content. It’s an ancient treasure map, listing 64 locations of buried jewels and gold. Unfortunately, the map is outdated by about 2,000 years. Treasure hunters and archaeologists have tried to find the modern locations of these ancient sites. To this day, no treasure has ever been discovered.
Letters of Last Resort
This is the stuff that spy movies are made of. Belonging to the United Kingdom, the letters of last resort are exclusively written by the newly appointed prime minister. Four different letters are penned, which are then given to four submarines equipped with destructive Trident missiles. Within the letters are instructions telling the commanding officers what to do in the event of a nuclear strike on Britain. No one but the prime minister knows the exact contents of the letters, as they are kept sealed until nuclear war breaks out. In the event that nuclear war doesn’t break out (which, thankfully, it hasn’t), the letters are destroyed upon the inauguration of a new PM.
Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya?
In 1989, historian P.N. Oak stirred controversy with his book “Taj Mahal: The True Story.” In it, Oak opposed the majority of historians and scientists who believe that the structure was built in the 17th century, instead contending that it was actually constructed in 1155. Also, contrary to its designation as a tomb, Oak claimed that the building was originally a Hindu temple. According to him, Shiva worshippers had constructed it and called it “Tejo Mahalaya.” Oak even filed a petition demanding that the Taj Mahal be declared a Hindu monument, but it was dismissed by India’s Supreme Court in 2000. In recent years, with the rise of online conspiracies, the theory has become a rallying cry for Hindu nationalists.
The Coca-Cola Recipe
Coca-Cola has been around since 1886, and try as desperately as they might, no one has been able to replicate its distinct taste. That’s how you know you have a good beverage on your hands! Inventor John S. Pemberton kept his recipe a secret and even refused to write it down for fear of people copying his success; it was finally jotted down when Ernest Woodruff purchased the company in 1919. The physical recipe then made the rounds between New York’s Guaranty Bank, Atlanta’s Trust Company Bank, and finally the World of Coca-Cola, which is where it resides today. It is currently housed in the so-called Vault of the Secret Formula, and it remains a very closely guarded trade secret.
The World's Greatest Card Trick
David Berglas was a mentalist and magician who gained notoriety in the 1950s, particularly for his iconic trick known as the "The Berglas Effect." For this deceptively simple feat, Berglas would produce a seemingly ordinary deck and ask a spectator to name any playing card. Another person would then pick a random number from one to 52. By the time the cards were dealt, one by one, the specified card would be found at the specified position. It’s a trick that stumped and astounded other magicians for years. However, Berglas maintained that it was unteachable, and he took the secret to his grave in 2023. This covert technique is now widely considered as the ‘Holy Grail’ of card magic.
The Origins of HIV/AIDS
While HIV is largely linked to the 1980s, it remains a global public health issue. In 2020 alone, it was estimated that nearly 40 million people were living with the disease. But regardless of its prevalence and very public history, there is still a lot about the retrovirus we don’t know. For example, humanity is still mostly unsure of where it came from. The leading theory is that African hunters in the early 20th century killed and ate chimpanzees infected with SIV - the S standing for “simian” - which then mutated into HIV in the human body. However, this information is typically populated with words like “probably” and “likely,” indicating that the origins of HIV are not definitively known, even to this day.
The Farmers’ Almanac Formula
“Farmers’ Almanac” has been annually published since 1818, so it’s obviously doing something right. The “Almanac” makes long-term weather predictions in North America, and various scientific studies have proven a roughly 50% rate of accuracy. Not bad, considering the predictions come up to two years in advance and it seems like the local weather station doesn’t even know if it’ll rain tomorrow. Weirdly, almost nothing is known about the making of the “Almanac.” The forecaster is kept secret, and the “Almanac” itself has never revealed how it makes its predictions. The formula is reportedly kept inside an impenetrable box, and the world is left wondering just how in the heck these gods can so accurately predict the weather.
The Roanoke Colony
The first English attempt to colonize the New World took place on the island of Roanoke in 1885. It failed due to a lack of food and clashes with Indigenous peoples. Two years later, John White made another effort, establishing a larger settlement. White left his settlers there, hoping to come back with supplies the following year, but his return was delayed until 1590. Upon arriving on the supply ship, White found the settlement completely deserted. The only clue as to the whereabouts of his people was a strange carving on a post that read “Croatoan.” Over a hundred men, women, and children had disappeared without a trace. While theories of their fate abound, none have ever been proven.
Bohemian Grove
Bohemian Grove is a compound sitting on a massive, 2700-acre slice of California Redwood Country. It’s a ‘gentlemen's club’ of sorts, catering to the conservative elites of American society. Its membership includes almost every Republican president since Calvin Coolidge, other politicians, as well as some of the wealthiest business leaders in modern history. For over 150 years, elites have flocked to Bohemian Grove on semi-secret retreats, which typically take place in mid-July every year, for about two weeks. Few know what they do there, though rumors of their bacchanalia-esque revelries abound. What we do know is that there is a reasonable likelihood that many of the world’s historical events may have been shaped within the confines of the Bohemian Grove.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Today, all but one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have been lost to time. Among those that no longer exist, one has continued to spark controversy. Historians and archaeologists have long endeavored to find proof that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon actually existed. A number of contemporary accounts described a massive collection of lush plants in the center of the city. It appeared, they said, as if there were a green mountain in the center of Sennacherib’s palace. No physical evidence has ever been found. Whether swallowed by the Euphrates, or a myth meant to spread Babylonian glory, the truth of the Hanging Gardens is still a mystery.
The Man in the Iron Mask
The story of the Man in the Iron Mask has been a staple of French culture since Dumas published his novel in 1850. While he theorized that the mysterious prisoner was, in fact, the identical twin of Louis XIV, the truth remains a mystery. What we do know is that, at the turn of the 17th century, there was a masked political prisoner. Contrary to fiction, his mask wasn’t iron, but rather made of black velvet. Rumors swirled around his identity. Voltaire believed that he was a secret royal relative, held captive to keep Louis’ crown safe. Others claimed that he was the son of Oliver Cromwell. Whomever he was, the masked French prisoner’s true identity is likely to remain a secret forever.
Genghis Khan’s Tomb
Living from the mid 12th century to the early 13th, Genghis Khan is the infamous instigator of the Mongol Empire, which was the largest connective empire in history. After taking over much of the known world, Khan died under unknown circumstances and was returned to his home country of Mongolia. Legend has it that the funeral procession killed anyone who witnessed it in order to keep his final resting place a secret. If that’s true, then it certainly worked, because no one today has any idea of where Genghis Khan is buried. Modern scholars believe that his tomb is somewhere around the Burkhan Khaldun mountain, but research in the area is difficult owing to restrictions imposed by the Mongolian government.
The Lost Years of Jesus Christ
Many scholars and historians agree that Jesus Christ was a real person and that he was born sometime around 4 BC. However, a large chunk of his historical life remains unaccounted for, as no one knows what he was doing between the ages of twelve and twenty-nine. These are referred to by a variety of names, including his “silent years.” Of course, there are many theories. Some believe he was in Britain, others India. But the leading theory is that he was in Galilee, a region of both Israel and Lebanon, working as a carpenter under the tutelage of his father, Joseph. Following Jesus’s unknown excursions, he was baptized in Al-Maghtas around 28 AD, and it is here that his world-changing ministry began.
USA’s Missile Submarines
There’s something about submarines and secrecy. The United States owns various missile submarines that are guided by nuclear power, including the USS Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia. These are known as SSGNs. The missiles on board these subs have the potential to cause great destruction, but their whereabouts and activities are generally unknown. However, they literally surface from time to time. For example, Michigan appeared in South Korea in 2017, and Florida took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. On June 28, 2010, a rare event occurred which saw three of four surfacing at once in response to Chinese missile tests. These four subs have been SSGNs since the 2000s, but most of their actions and locations have remained a secret.
Freemasons
For 300 years, conspiracy theories have swirled around the Freemasons. Officially founded in 1717, many believe to this day that the not-so-secret secret society has been operating behind the scenes for centuries. The truth is likely far less sinister. Publicly, they advertise themselves as a group of civic-minded men, looking to propagate charity, kindness, and stability throughout the world. Women are not allowed, and members must have some kind of belief in a supreme being. They are famous for secret rituals, handshakes, and lodges. Regular civilians, driven by curiosity, have long sought to uncover their secrets, fueled by rumors that have linked them to everything from the New World Order to aliens.
Area 51
When it comes to highly classified areas, it doesn’t get more famous than Area 51. Found in the Nevada desert, Area 51 is a top-secret military facility with ties to cutting edge technology. The place is so secretive that it wasn’t officially unveiled by the CIA until 2013, even though it was very obvious that something was in the desert. Area 51 is officially known as a military training facility and supposedly a testing ground for both experimental aircraft and high tech weaponry. Owing to its secretive nature, both trespassing and flying over the site are grossly prohibited and dangerously enforced. Naturally, this has given rise to a swath of conspiracy theories. Are aliens inside Area 51? Perhaps we’ll never know.
Is there a mystery or secret that the powers that be kept off our list? Let us know in the comments below!
[b]KAY-ple https://youtu.be/A5Q9rAL_wuM?si=F1y1HnN6KAU71DJ2&t=19
[c]gwanna-BAWRRA https://forvo.com/search/Guanabara/
am-MARE-REE-coh santa-RELLY https://translate.google.ca/?sl=it&tl=en&text=Americo%20Santarelli&op=translate
[d]shah-GOH-shins https://youtu.be/YkFhy_ET4ik?si=HkyIrEXdSaVTc2Ag&t=132
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest secrets and mysteries from all over the world that will likely remain secret forever.
Man of the Hole
Deep in Brazil's Amazon rainforest lived the "Man of the Hole," the last member of an uncontacted Indigenous tribe. His nickname came from the deep holes he dug. They were often filled with spikes, suggesting that they were for hunting or self-defense. It's believed that settlers and ranchers hired gunmen to kill the rest of his people starting in the 1970s. Our hole digger was the sole survivor, choosing to live in complete isolation for decades. He resisted all attempts at contact, becoming a symbol of Indigenous resilience. To this day, many elements of his existence are shrouded in mystery. What was his name? What language did he speak? What was the true purpose of the holes? In August 2022, he was found dead in his hut, and as such the answers to these queries died with him.
Attila the Hun's Chat with Pope Leo I
It was the year 452 C.E., and the seemingly unstoppable army of Attila the Hun had advanced into Italy. Pope Leo I, desperate to protect Rome, set out for a private meeting with Attila near Mantua. Legend has it that a vision of Saints Peter and Paul armed with swords appeared there. In truth, we will never know exactly what was discussed. We do know that, after this meeting, Attila spared Rome from assault. Did Leo frighten Attila with the power of religion and superstition, or was persuasion unnecessary thanks to Attila's logistical challenges? Did he bribe the warlord with treasure? Whether it was politics, pragmatism, or fear of divine retribution, Attila retreated and Leo gained a reputation as a persuasive leader.
The Paternity of Caesarion[a]
In 47 BCE, Queen Cleopatra gave birth to a boy: Ptolemy XV. The young king was also known by another name: Caesarion. Cleopatra flaunted him as Caesar's heir, and the Emperor acknowledged the boy as his own when she brought him to Rome three years later. After Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra fled back to Egypt with her son in tow where he was declared co-ruler of Egypt. At the time, many Roman contemporaries cast doubt on Caesarion's true lineage. We will never know whether Caesarion was the true-born heir to Rome, or if those doubts were part of a political plot. We do know that Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, saw Caesarion as a threat to his claim. Octavian had his 'brother' assassinated in 30 BCE.
Voynich Manuscript
Imagine a book that’s part botanical guide, part astrological manual, and part complete and utter mystery. The Voynich manuscript, carbon-dated to the early 15th century, is a 240-page enigma. It's filled with both bizarre illustrations and text in an undeciphered script. Discovered by rare book dealer Wilfrid Voynich in 1912, it has since baffled cryptographers, linguists, and scholars alike. Some believe it's a medieval cipher. Others think it's an elaborate hoax. Despite numerous claims of cracking its code, the manuscript's true meaning remains elusive. Is it an ancient herbal, a secret alchemical text, or the Dungeons & Dragons manual of the Middle Ages? Until someone deciphers it, the Voynich manuscript keeps its secrets close, inviting both fascination and frustration.
Princes in the Tower
Two young princes vanished without a trace, and England was never the same. In 1483, Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, were locked away in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard III. Officially, they were awaiting Edward’s coronation. Instead, their uncle took the throne, and the boys vanished from the tower without a trace. Centuries later, bones were discovered in the Tower. Without DNA confirmation that they belong to the brothers, their fate remains a mystery. Recently, another clue emerged: a chain belonging to Edward V was found in the will of Lady Margaret Capell[b], a relative of an alleged accomplice to their murder. This discovery strengthens the theory that Richard III ordered their murders.
The Bay of Jars
In the 1980s, treasure hunter Robert Marx made a startling discovery. One that promised to upend history as we know it. He discovered Roman amphorae - ancient jars - beneath Brazil's Guanabara Bay[c]. This find suggested that Romans might have somehow reached South America before any other European. The excitement was short-lived. A Brazilian businessman, Americo Santarelli, claimed ownership of the jars. He said that in the 1960s he had commissioned replicas of Roman amphorae and submerged them in the bay to achieve an aged, barnacle-encrusted appearance. The mystery, though, is further complicated. The jars were examined by a classics expert from MIT who confirmed their authenticity. Without permission by the government to excavate the site, we'll never know whether the Romans truly made it to Brazil.
Havana Syndrome
Since 2016, U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers from postings around the world - starting with Cuba - have reported mysterious symptoms. This combination of dizziness, headaches, and cognitive issues has since been dubbed "Havana Syndrome." The true cause remains elusive. Some experts suggest mass psychogenic illness, where stress and fear manifest as physical symptoms. Others propose environmental factors, like exposure to pesticides or malfunctioning surveillance equipment. A 2022 report by the Director of National Intelligence offered mixed findings. It found that pulsed electromagnetic energy and ultrasound were plausible causes for some cases, while psychogenic factors could explain others. Despite extensive investigations, no definitive cause has been identified.
Hapsburg Napkin Fold
The Habsburg Napkin Fold, also known as the Imperial Napkin Fold, is a closely guarded secret within Austrian tradition. The napkin, when complete, resembles both a bishop's hat and a fleur-de-lis. This intricate fold has been a hallmark of Austrian state banquets since the Habsburgs ruled Austria. Only two individuals at any given moment are entrusted with the knowledge of this folding technique. The method is passed down orally, with each custodian selecting and instructing a successor before their death. Despite public displays of the folded napkin in museums and numerous attempts to replicate it, the authentic technique remains elusive. People have attempted to replicate it, but the exact procedure is still a mystery.
What Happened to Jimmy Hoffa?
Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance is the mafia mystery that just won’t die. On July 30, 1975, the former Teamsters boss vanished from a Detroit parking lot. Was he meeting with mobsters? Probably. Did he live happily ever after? Definitely not. Hoffa was officially declared dead in 1982, but no body was ever found. Over the years, rumors of his fate have circulated. Some claimed he was buried in one of a series of strange locations. Others say he was dissolved in acid or encased in cement. The FBI has conducted countless searches, including one as recently as 2022. Hoffa remains missing. With his mob ties and countless enemies, it’s likely we’ll never know the full truth.
Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, a remote island in the Indian Ocean, has a long, complicated history. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1512, it spent decades as a French leper colony and coconut plantation. Most recently, under UK control, it's been a pivotal U.S. military base. Its location makes it invaluable to Middle East operations and as an alleged submarine base. Beyond its strategic value, the island is also shrouded in controversy. The native Chagossian[d] inhabitants were forcibly removed in the 1970s to make way for military installations. In the last few decades, reports have surfaced alleging its use as a CIA "black site" for detaining and interrogating terror suspects. Access to the island is incredibly restricted, and the public will never know what truly happens there.
Metro-2
You may have heard about the British ‘shadow cabinet,’ but have you heard of a Russian shadow subway? Rumors have swirled for almost a century about ‘Metro-2,’ a secret subway running parallel to the Moscow metro. Codenamed D-6 by the KGB, this clandestine network was allegedly built during the rule of Joseph Stalin. It lacks public entrances, but could be used as a shelter in the event of an aerial assault on Moscow. In times of crisis, while panicked civilians crowd onto the public metro, government officials could easily escape the city using the trains in Metro-2, which are supposedly battery-powered. Despite widespread speculation, the Russian government has never acknowledged the system’s existence, nor officially released any details of its function.
The Lost Recipe for Greek Fire
Centuries before Oppenheimer created a superweapon by splitting the atom, the Byzantine Empire ruled the Mediterranean with a superweapon of their own. Known as Greek Fire, this formidable tool has somehow eluded a concrete definition, with some simply referring to it as liquid fire that could never be extinguished by water. The recipe of this weapon was held as a closely-guarded secret, and with it, the Byzantium resisted Muslim conquests for centuries. Unfortunately, the danger of tightly-held secrets is that they can easily be forgotten. By the fourth crusade, the Eastern Roman Empire lost the recipe, and was ultimately annihilated in the subsequent centuries. Though historians and chemists have tried to recreate the recipe, they have never been successful.
Tesla's Missing Papers
History buffs may know about the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison in the nascent days of electrical power. But did you know that after his death in 1943, some of Tesla’s research mysteriously disappeared? Tesla was allegedly working on particle beam weapons that, if successful, could’ve altered the outcome of World War II. The day after his death, his nephew, the Yugoslavian ambassador to the U.S., discovered that his notebook and many crucial documents were missing. As the FBI didn’t trust Tesla’s nephew with his sensitive research, they later confiscated all of the scientist’s items. Although some of Tesla’s work was returned to his family years later, a significant portion of it has never been found.
Oliver Cromwell's Head
Oliver Cromwell was a leading Parliamentarian during the British Civil Wars of the 17th century, seizing control of the nation through a military coup. Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector for five years, before dying of natural causes. Shortly after his death, the monarchy regained authority. King Charles II then ordered the exhumation of Cromwell’s body so he could be posthumously executed. Cromwell’s head was removed afterwards and put on display in London for at least two decades. Over the next three centuries, it passed between private collectors of creepy historical objects, occasionally giving rise to fake replicas. The final owner decided to secretly bury the head on the campus of Sidney Sussex College, which Cromwell attended. Its exact location there remains unknown.
Copper Scroll Treasure
In the 1940s and ‘50s, archaeologists found a treasure trove of ancient Jewish manuscripts in the Qumran Caves of the West Bank. Collectively, they became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. One of these manuscripts was different from the others, inscribed on copper plates instead of parchment and papyrus. This unique document, referred to as the Copper Scroll, not only differed in its material but also in its content. It’s an ancient treasure map, listing 64 locations of buried jewels and gold. Unfortunately, the map is outdated by about 2,000 years. Treasure hunters and archaeologists have tried to find the modern locations of these ancient sites. To this day, no treasure has ever been discovered.
Letters of Last Resort
This is the stuff that spy movies are made of. Belonging to the United Kingdom, the letters of last resort are exclusively written by the newly appointed prime minister. Four different letters are penned, which are then given to four submarines equipped with destructive Trident missiles. Within the letters are instructions telling the commanding officers what to do in the event of a nuclear strike on Britain. No one but the prime minister knows the exact contents of the letters, as they are kept sealed until nuclear war breaks out. In the event that nuclear war doesn’t break out (which, thankfully, it hasn’t), the letters are destroyed upon the inauguration of a new PM.
Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya?
In 1989, historian P.N. Oak stirred controversy with his book “Taj Mahal: The True Story.” In it, Oak opposed the majority of historians and scientists who believe that the structure was built in the 17th century, instead contending that it was actually constructed in 1155. Also, contrary to its designation as a tomb, Oak claimed that the building was originally a Hindu temple. According to him, Shiva worshippers had constructed it and called it “Tejo Mahalaya.” Oak even filed a petition demanding that the Taj Mahal be declared a Hindu monument, but it was dismissed by India’s Supreme Court in 2000. In recent years, with the rise of online conspiracies, the theory has become a rallying cry for Hindu nationalists.
The Coca-Cola Recipe
Coca-Cola has been around since 1886, and try as desperately as they might, no one has been able to replicate its distinct taste. That’s how you know you have a good beverage on your hands! Inventor John S. Pemberton kept his recipe a secret and even refused to write it down for fear of people copying his success; it was finally jotted down when Ernest Woodruff purchased the company in 1919. The physical recipe then made the rounds between New York’s Guaranty Bank, Atlanta’s Trust Company Bank, and finally the World of Coca-Cola, which is where it resides today. It is currently housed in the so-called Vault of the Secret Formula, and it remains a very closely guarded trade secret.
The World's Greatest Card Trick
David Berglas was a mentalist and magician who gained notoriety in the 1950s, particularly for his iconic trick known as the "The Berglas Effect." For this deceptively simple feat, Berglas would produce a seemingly ordinary deck and ask a spectator to name any playing card. Another person would then pick a random number from one to 52. By the time the cards were dealt, one by one, the specified card would be found at the specified position. It’s a trick that stumped and astounded other magicians for years. However, Berglas maintained that it was unteachable, and he took the secret to his grave in 2023. This covert technique is now widely considered as the ‘Holy Grail’ of card magic.
The Origins of HIV/AIDS
While HIV is largely linked to the 1980s, it remains a global public health issue. In 2020 alone, it was estimated that nearly 40 million people were living with the disease. But regardless of its prevalence and very public history, there is still a lot about the retrovirus we don’t know. For example, humanity is still mostly unsure of where it came from. The leading theory is that African hunters in the early 20th century killed and ate chimpanzees infected with SIV - the S standing for “simian” - which then mutated into HIV in the human body. However, this information is typically populated with words like “probably” and “likely,” indicating that the origins of HIV are not definitively known, even to this day.
The Farmers’ Almanac Formula
“Farmers’ Almanac” has been annually published since 1818, so it’s obviously doing something right. The “Almanac” makes long-term weather predictions in North America, and various scientific studies have proven a roughly 50% rate of accuracy. Not bad, considering the predictions come up to two years in advance and it seems like the local weather station doesn’t even know if it’ll rain tomorrow. Weirdly, almost nothing is known about the making of the “Almanac.” The forecaster is kept secret, and the “Almanac” itself has never revealed how it makes its predictions. The formula is reportedly kept inside an impenetrable box, and the world is left wondering just how in the heck these gods can so accurately predict the weather.
The Roanoke Colony
The first English attempt to colonize the New World took place on the island of Roanoke in 1885. It failed due to a lack of food and clashes with Indigenous peoples. Two years later, John White made another effort, establishing a larger settlement. White left his settlers there, hoping to come back with supplies the following year, but his return was delayed until 1590. Upon arriving on the supply ship, White found the settlement completely deserted. The only clue as to the whereabouts of his people was a strange carving on a post that read “Croatoan.” Over a hundred men, women, and children had disappeared without a trace. While theories of their fate abound, none have ever been proven.
Bohemian Grove
Bohemian Grove is a compound sitting on a massive, 2700-acre slice of California Redwood Country. It’s a ‘gentlemen's club’ of sorts, catering to the conservative elites of American society. Its membership includes almost every Republican president since Calvin Coolidge, other politicians, as well as some of the wealthiest business leaders in modern history. For over 150 years, elites have flocked to Bohemian Grove on semi-secret retreats, which typically take place in mid-July every year, for about two weeks. Few know what they do there, though rumors of their bacchanalia-esque revelries abound. What we do know is that there is a reasonable likelihood that many of the world’s historical events may have been shaped within the confines of the Bohemian Grove.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Today, all but one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have been lost to time. Among those that no longer exist, one has continued to spark controversy. Historians and archaeologists have long endeavored to find proof that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon actually existed. A number of contemporary accounts described a massive collection of lush plants in the center of the city. It appeared, they said, as if there were a green mountain in the center of Sennacherib’s palace. No physical evidence has ever been found. Whether swallowed by the Euphrates, or a myth meant to spread Babylonian glory, the truth of the Hanging Gardens is still a mystery.
The Man in the Iron Mask
The story of the Man in the Iron Mask has been a staple of French culture since Dumas published his novel in 1850. While he theorized that the mysterious prisoner was, in fact, the identical twin of Louis XIV, the truth remains a mystery. What we do know is that, at the turn of the 17th century, there was a masked political prisoner. Contrary to fiction, his mask wasn’t iron, but rather made of black velvet. Rumors swirled around his identity. Voltaire believed that he was a secret royal relative, held captive to keep Louis’ crown safe. Others claimed that he was the son of Oliver Cromwell. Whomever he was, the masked French prisoner’s true identity is likely to remain a secret forever.
Genghis Khan’s Tomb
Living from the mid 12th century to the early 13th, Genghis Khan is the infamous instigator of the Mongol Empire, which was the largest connective empire in history. After taking over much of the known world, Khan died under unknown circumstances and was returned to his home country of Mongolia. Legend has it that the funeral procession killed anyone who witnessed it in order to keep his final resting place a secret. If that’s true, then it certainly worked, because no one today has any idea of where Genghis Khan is buried. Modern scholars believe that his tomb is somewhere around the Burkhan Khaldun mountain, but research in the area is difficult owing to restrictions imposed by the Mongolian government.
The Lost Years of Jesus Christ
Many scholars and historians agree that Jesus Christ was a real person and that he was born sometime around 4 BC. However, a large chunk of his historical life remains unaccounted for, as no one knows what he was doing between the ages of twelve and twenty-nine. These are referred to by a variety of names, including his “silent years.” Of course, there are many theories. Some believe he was in Britain, others India. But the leading theory is that he was in Galilee, a region of both Israel and Lebanon, working as a carpenter under the tutelage of his father, Joseph. Following Jesus’s unknown excursions, he was baptized in Al-Maghtas around 28 AD, and it is here that his world-changing ministry began.
USA’s Missile Submarines
There’s something about submarines and secrecy. The United States owns various missile submarines that are guided by nuclear power, including the USS Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia. These are known as SSGNs. The missiles on board these subs have the potential to cause great destruction, but their whereabouts and activities are generally unknown. However, they literally surface from time to time. For example, Michigan appeared in South Korea in 2017, and Florida took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. On June 28, 2010, a rare event occurred which saw three of four surfacing at once in response to Chinese missile tests. These four subs have been SSGNs since the 2000s, but most of their actions and locations have remained a secret.
Freemasons
For 300 years, conspiracy theories have swirled around the Freemasons. Officially founded in 1717, many believe to this day that the not-so-secret secret society has been operating behind the scenes for centuries. The truth is likely far less sinister. Publicly, they advertise themselves as a group of civic-minded men, looking to propagate charity, kindness, and stability throughout the world. Women are not allowed, and members must have some kind of belief in a supreme being. They are famous for secret rituals, handshakes, and lodges. Regular civilians, driven by curiosity, have long sought to uncover their secrets, fueled by rumors that have linked them to everything from the New World Order to aliens.
Area 51
When it comes to highly classified areas, it doesn’t get more famous than Area 51. Found in the Nevada desert, Area 51 is a top-secret military facility with ties to cutting edge technology. The place is so secretive that it wasn’t officially unveiled by the CIA until 2013, even though it was very obvious that something was in the desert. Area 51 is officially known as a military training facility and supposedly a testing ground for both experimental aircraft and high tech weaponry. Owing to its secretive nature, both trespassing and flying over the site are grossly prohibited and dangerously enforced. Naturally, this has given rise to a swath of conspiracy theories. Are aliens inside Area 51? Perhaps we’ll never know.
Is there a mystery or secret that the powers that be kept off our list? Let us know in the comments below!
[a]cesarian
tawlla-me the 15th[b]KAY-ple https://youtu.be/A5Q9rAL_wuM?si=F1y1HnN6KAU71DJ2&t=19
[c]gwanna-BAWRRA https://forvo.com/search/Guanabara/
am-MARE-REE-coh santa-RELLY https://translate.google.ca/?sl=it&tl=en&text=Americo%20Santarelli&op=translate
[d]shah-GOH-shins https://youtu.be/YkFhy_ET4ik?si=HkyIrEXdSaVTc2Ag&t=132
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