10 Ancient Skulls With Fascinating Secrets

Top 10 Ancient Skulls Revealing Rare Facts And Mysteries

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down the most fascinating, revealing, mysterious and important skulls that archeology has uncovered over the years.

#10: Dmanisi Skulls (Homo erectus)

Comprising five crania, these Homo erectus specimens date back 1.8 million years and challenge prior taxonomic classifications, suggesting a greater morphological diversity within the species. The cranial variations observed in the Dmanisi skulls point to regional adaptations, questioning the notion of a homogenous Homo erectus population during the Pleistocene epoch. These findings prompt a reevaluation of early human dispersals, emphasizing their adaptability and flexibility in diverse environmental contexts. Their significance lies in their capacity to reshape our grasp of the evolutionary dynamics and behavioral complexities in the genus during a critical period in prehistory.

#9: Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus)

This fossilized skull of Australopithecus africanus was discovered in South Africa in 1924, and dates back 2.8 million years. It is a pivotal artifact in paleoanthropology, offering insights into early hominins. Notably, the Taung Child exhibits evidence of bipedal locomotion and tool use, challenging previous notions about the cognitive and locomotor capabilities of hominins during the Pliocene epoch. The fossil provides a crucial link in the evolutionary transition from apelike ancestors to more bipedal and tool-using hominins. Its significance extends to the broader narrative of evolution.

#8: Huey Tzompantli (H. sapiens)

A monumental structure from the Aztec civilization, the Huey Tzompantli, held profound cultural and ritual significance. Translating to "Great Skull Rack," it was a platform adorned with impaled skulls of sacrificial victims. Constructed in the capital city of Tenochtitlan, this macabre display served as a visual testament to the Aztecs' reverence for the god Huitzilopochtli, associated with war and the sun. The skulls, meticulously arranged in rows, symbolized the Aztec worldview, which intertwined life, death, and cosmology. The Huey Tzompantli reflected the ideological underpinnings of Aztec society, illustrating the ritualistic and spiritual dimensions embedded in their architectural and artistic expressions during the height of their civilization.

#7: La Chapelle-aux-Saints (Neanderthal)

This Neanderthal specimen discovered in France in 1908, dates back approximately 50,000 years. The fossilized skull challenges earlier interpretations of Neanderthal anatomy, particularly regarding posture. Initially perceived as evidence of a stooped or hunched posture, later analyses suggested a more upright stance. The La Chapelle-aux-Saints find became central to debates on Neanderthal cognitive abilities and cultural practices. Its cranial features indicated adaptation to cold environments, emphasizing the species' resilience. The discovery significantly contributed to refining our knowledge of Neanderthal morphology, behavior, and adaptations, shedding light on the intricacies of evolution during the Late Pleistocene.

#6: Crystal Skulls of Ancient Mesoamerica (H. sapiens-made)

The famed crystal skulls of ancient Mesoamerica, such as the Mitchell-Hedges and the British Museum ones, are not actual bones — they are intricate artifacts carved from clear or milky quartz. These artifacts, often associated with Aztec or Maya civilizations, exhibit remarkable craftsmanship, featuring precise detailing despite the hardness of the material. The origin and purpose of these objects remain subjects of debate among archaeologists and anthropologists. While some assert a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican origin, others argue for a more recent creation. Studies using advanced techniques have identified tool marks inconsistent with ancient technologies.

#5: Liujiang Skull (H. sapiens)

This well-preserved fossil, discovered in 1958 in Guangxi, China, dates back approximately 68,000 years and challenges prevailing models of migration out of Africa, suggesting multiple waves of Homo sapiens dispersal. It exhibits a unique combination of archaic and modern features. Its discovery implies complex interactions and potential interbreeding among different groups during the Late Pleistocene. The Liujiang Skull plays a role in unraveling the intricate mosaic of evolutionary pathways and adds nuance to our comprehension of the diversity and adaptability of Homo sapiens across geographical regions.

#4: Kabwe Skull (H. heidelbergensis)

The Broken Hill Skull, also known as the Kabwe Skull, was discovered in 1921 in Broken Hill, Northern Rhodesia (now Kabwe, Zambia), and is approximately 300,000 years old. This Homo heidelbergensis fossil showcases a mix of archaic and modern human features, helping our understanding of evolution during the Middle Pleistocene. Its morphology indicates a large braincase, suggesting advanced cognitive abilities. The Broken Hill find is significant in the study of Homo heidelbergensis, bridging the gap between earlier species and humans in the Pleistocene epoch.

#3: Drimolen Skulls (P. robustus)

This South African archaeological site has yielded a significant collection of hominid fossils. The site, dating back around 2 million years, has provided insights into hominin evolution. Among the notable finds are hominid skulls attributed to Paranthropus robustus and early Homo. The presence of both robust australopithecines and Homo suggests coexistence and potential interactions in the region. The Drimolen skulls, with their well-preserved features, offer crucial anatomical details for studying the evolutionary relationships and behaviors of hominins during this critical phase of prehistory.

#2: Jericho Skulls ((H. sapiens, Natufian Culture)

Dating to approximately 9,500 years ago, these were discovered in the Levant and represent a noteworthy archaeological assemblage from Natufian culture. Adorned with plaster, they offer intricate insights into the mortuary practices of the Natufian people. Their discovery suggests a sophisticated engagement with the dead, possibly involving ritualistic or symbolic elements. The application of plaster to the skulls indicates deliberate and careful manipulation, emphasizing the cultural significance attached to these mortuary practices. They shed light on the Natufian culture's social organization, funerary customs, and symbolic expressions, shedding light on the complexities of societies in the Levant during the transition to settled life.

#1: Manot Cranium (H. sapiens)

Found in 2015 within the Manot Cave in the Western Galilee region of Israel, this ancient skull is estimated to be around 54,000 years old, placing it in a critical period of migration and interaction. Exhibiting a unique combination of Neanderthal and modern characteristics, the Manot Cranium provides valuable insights into the possible interbreeding between these distinct hominid groups. This intermingling, suggested by the cranium's morphology, is part of the complex evolutionary processes that shaped the genetic diversity of anatomically modern humans during their migration out of Africa.

What archaeological discoveries do you find the most historically important? Let us know in the comments.