1. Vending machine, 100 BC

Modern vending machines had a predecessor that was used to sell holy water in ancient temples. It was invented by Hero of Alexandria. A person put a coin inside the vending machine, and it pushed a lever that opened a valve.

This allowed some holy water to pour out. Unfortunately, this brilliant idea was forgotten, and vending machines were reinvented at the end of the 19th century.

2. Automatic doors in Ancient Greece, second part of the 1st century AD

The genius Hero of Alexandria also invented automatic doors long before the 20th century. It’s hard to imagine how amazed the people must have been to see such a wonder in their temples. The mechanism worked through hot air inside the altar.

3. Controversial mural Mr. Pynchon and the Settling of Springfield, 1937

Mr. Pynchon and the Settling of Springfield, by Umberto Romano, shows something that looks a lot like a smartphone. If you look closely at the Indian figure to the right, it looks like he is typing something on a smartphone. Nobody knows what this really is. However, there are various theories.

4. Leonardo da Vinci’s robot, 14th century

Leonardo da Vinci was a genius inventor, so nobody was surprised to find a blueprint for a robot designed for military actions. It was found in 1950. It is unknown whether the scientist actually made it, but the robot itself looked very realistic and could imitate simple human movements.

5. Undeciphered writing at Easter Island, found at the end of the 19th century

Easter Island is famous for its statues, but there is more interesting stuff there: 24 wooden plaques with carved symbols that still haven’t been deciphered. These symbols are called Rongorongo. The last person who owned Rongorongo died in 1866.

6. A horned human skull, found in the 1880s

This skull was found in Pennsylvania in the 1880s. It is perfectly normal in terms of anatomy…if you ignore the horns. Unfortunately, there is no way to prove or refute its authenticity because the skull disappeared right before research began.

7. The mystery of the Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin is believed to hold the image of Jesus. According to the story, after Jesus was crucified, his body was wrapped in this cloth. Later, he disappeared. The cloth, if you look closely, seems to have the imprint of a face, a body, and even bloodstains. Scientists still don’t agree on what this might mean. Source: https://brightside.me