Strange mysterious inscriptions left archaeologists puzzled about their meaning

Amazed by the adventures of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft from an early age, we often imagine archaeologists as scholars capable of deciphering any language, or any inscription on any building dating from ancient times. But sometimes these scholars make exciting discoveries that they are, sometimes, unable to explain.

The Nessclife Hill Stone

According to the BBC, two archaeologists were excavating at the site of Nesscliffe Hill, 50 miles south of Liverpool. The site is of interest to researchers because it contains a fortified hill dating back to the Stone Age.

Last summer, while doing research, the two scientists discovered a strange sandstone stone. What is special about it? It has a strange pattern with a circular shape and several straight lines, some of which are parallel. Is it a sun, a humanoid figure? To be honest, archaeologists have no idea.

A collaborative puzzle

Dr Paul Reilly, one of the researchers, has some ideas, which he shared with the BBC:

It is difficult to find parallels in the Iron Age, but the sculpture has similarities with late Bronze Age sculptures of figures wearing horned helmets.

Indeed, the inscription suggests a helmeted person or some kind of demon. But for the time being, the two archaeologists still have no official explanation! The mystery is so thick that, like participants in a TV show, the two researchers are asking for the public's opinion:

We invite people to help us solve the enigma or to tell us if they have seen other similar sculptures.

This article was translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

-BBC: Nesscliffe Hill sandstone carvings puzzle archaeologists