The Roman Baths, which give the City of Bath, Somerset its name, are a profound window into the world of Roman Britain. In ancient times, this site was a popular spa built around hot springs and dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. People would come here for bathing, relaxation, and the hope of healing.
Nestled in the woods of Salem, NH is a site that’s filled with mysterious stonework. There are long-running walls and secluded chambers, as well as prominent standing stones. There’s even a large grooved slab that some say was a sacrificial table! Today this place is known as America’s Stonehenge, though it was formerly called Mystery Hill. The origin of these structures has been debated for years. Do they date from the 19th century or are they ancient?
During my stay on Hawaii’s Big Island, I was fortunate enough to explore Waikoloa Petroglyph Field, which is an amazing site filled with ancient petroglyphs. Visitors are able to walk a path on the lava rock and, ultimately, be surrounded by thousands of these enigmatic carvings. While their exact meanings are not entirely known, the petroglyphs are historical and cultural treasures that I was thrilled to experience.
During the recent winter solstice, people gathered at Salisbury Plain in England to watch the sunrise over one of the most ancient and mysterious sites in the world – Stonehenge. It was a some years ago that I, myself, gazed upon this megalithic structure. Although much has been learned about Stonehenge thanks to archeological research, it still remains quite enigmatic and there are many questions yet to be answered.
While a medieval stone etching of a knight is certainly not something out of the ordinary in Europe, finding one in New England is much more surprising. However, that is exactly what has been asserted about a mysterious carving in the town of Westford, MA. Could it be evidence of a Templar expedition to the New World? Continue reading →
Crystal skulls have been the subject of curiosity and debate for decades. Are they ancient artifacts, modern hoaxes, or maybe even mystical conduits? A few of these enigmatic objects are held by major museums, while others are in private collections. During a visit to the British Museum in London, I made it a point to view the skull they have on display. Whatever its origins, it’s certainly striking. Continue reading →
The coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island is famously known for its Gilded Age mansions. Lesser known is a structure that looks like it came right out of the Middle Ages. Sitting in a small park, it’s the remnants of a round tower built of stone. The origins of the Newport Tower have been a source of public debate since at least the first half of the 19th century. A variety of theories exist, many asserting that the tower predates the arrival of Columbus. Continue reading →
