ADVERTISEMENT

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I find the subject incredibly fascinating. We keep making “new” discoveries about things that our ancestors did ages ago. Yet, we can never figure out all of history. It’s probably this element of mystery and intrigue that keeps making us want to know more about the past.

And what better way than looking at historic photos and artifacts? That’s what this article is all about. The “All That History” community on Facebook collects photos of hidden stories and mysteries from the past. We have compiled the most fascinating ones below, and many will have you digging up stories related to them. Just scroll down to check them out! 

#1

A 2,000 Year Old Roman Perfume Bottle

Ancient striped glass bottle with rounded base historical glassware

All That History Report

Rali Meyer
Community Member
2 hours ago

Chanel No5?

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    A Rescue “Animal Ambulance” From The 1940s

    Vintage photo of two women carrying a dog in a wooden box labeled animal ambulance

    All That History Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    Poor pup looks pretty roof.

    #3

    A Young Boy Playing The Banjo With His Dog, 1920

    Vintage photo of child playing banjo with happy dog outdoors historic moment

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    They both look so happy!

    View more comments
    #4

    Hoppers On Stilts In Faversham, England 1920

    Two men on stilts walking between rows of trees historic outdoor scene

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    You'd need extraordinary balance to do this, especially with the rutted ground.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Built Over 500 Years Ago, The “Bridge Of Immortals” In Huangshan, China, Is The Highest Bridge In The World

    Ancient stone bridge connecting two cliffs surrounded by lush greenery

    All That History Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago

    Not 500 years old according to TripAdvisor: "Buxian Bridge is a narrow stone pedestrian bridge in the West Sea (Xihai) Grand Canyon of Huangshan Scenic Resort, Huangshan District, Anhui, China, often called the Fairy Walking Bridge or Bridge of the Immortals. Built in the late 1980s, the small arched span links two granite cliffs and frames dramatic views down into the canyon and across Huangshan's jagged peaks and pine-covered ridges. Accessed on foot via the Xihai hiking routes, it is commonly seen as a highlight along longer walks that include Tianhai and the Baiyun area."

    View more comments
    #6

    A Ghostly Yet Mesmerizing Image From 1900

    Historic sailing ship faintly visible in fog over water

    All That History Report

    Rali Meyer
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    The Flying Dutchman!

    #7

    A Photo Of An Engineer Wiring An Early Ibm Computer, 1958 By Berenice Abbott

    Woman working on wiring of early computer vintage technology

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Hey, all those ones and zeros had to get where they were going somehow!

    #8

    This Kid's Name Is Farrokh Bulsara, Also Known As Freddie Mercury. 1950s

    Vintage black and white photo of a child dressed in old-fashioned clothes

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Yup, had the teeth even then.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Bronze Phrygian Helmet, Greek, Late Classical To Early Hellenistic, C. 350-300

    Ancient bronze helmet with detailed facial features from historical archaeological discovery

    All That History Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Child's Ankle Support (Orthopedic Shoe), Italy, 1501-1600

    Rusty medieval iron shoes artifact with intricate cut-out patterns

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited)

    It looks like a tōrture device.

    View more comments
    #11

    A Girl With Artificial Legs In 1890

    Black and white photo of a child wearing early prosthetic leg braces for disabled children

    All That History Report

    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    She looks so proud!

    View more comments
    #12

    Roman Crocodile-Skin Armour; This Astonishing Helmet And Cuirass Was Likely Worn By A Distinguished Soldier During Parades And Cult Processions In Roman Egypt

    Historical crocodile leather armor and helmet in a museum exhibit

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    snazzy!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Gauntlet Of “Lion” Armor Of Henry II, King Of France, 1550

    Intricately designed medieval armor gauntlet with lion motif

    All That History Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago

    Such detail!

    #14

    Venice, Second World War

    Old photo of people wearing gas masks on a gondola in Venice

    All That History Report

    moggiemoo
    Community Member
    31 minutes ago

    Every date's a blind one.

    #15

    The Suit’s Name Was ‘Iron Man’ Too. It Had Electric Charging And Pressure Protection Systems. New York, 1907

    Early deep sea diving suit with divers on boat vintage history

    All That History Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    It looks far more sturdy than the Oceangate submersible.

    View more comments

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    In August 1888, Bertha Benz Took The World's First Long-Distance Trip In An Automobible. She Rode The Benz-Patent Motorwagen That Was Invented By Her Husband, Karl Benz

    Early vintage photo of a woman riding a historic three-wheeled vehicle

    All That History Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    If I remember the story correctly, even Karl wasn't really convinced it was viable for long distances,Bertha believed in it though. He went to visit some friends, by horse and carriage, some distance away. She decided to prove to him it was viable for long distance travel by driving his car to him. Despite a couple of breakdowns on the way, which she sorted with whatever she had to hand, she made the trip.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Marriage Portrait, Mongolia, 1920’s

    Black and white photo of a historical couple wearing traditional attire and headdresses

    All That History Report

    Door Door
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Inspiration for queen armadillo in the star wars prequels?

    View more comments
    #18

    Samurai Octopus Helmet, 1700s, Japan

    Ancient gold samurai helmet with intricate octopus tentacle design

    All That History Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    That's novel.

    #19

    A Golden Roman Helmet, Circa 4th Century Ce

    Ancient decorated golden helmet with blue details on black background

    All That History Report

    Rali Meyer
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    The 4th century CE spanned from January 1, 301 AD to December 31, 400 AD

    View more comments
    #20

    1,500-Year-Old Ceramic Maya Figurine With Removable Helmet. Guatemala

    Ancient figurine with removable helmet revealing intricate eyes and mouth detail from archaeological site

    All That History Report

    Colin Roach
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Of course the first question a Warhammer player would ask is "how many points is it worth: :)

    View more comments
    #21

    Roast Corn Man, Manhattan, 1938

    Vintage street scene showing man operating a mobile food cart in early 20th century city

    All That History Report

    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    My father grew up in Hell's Kitchen (west side of Manhattan). He told me about the street corn and how good it was. In 1938, he would have been 20 years old. I wonder if this could be the guy he spoke about.

    View more comments
    #22

    At Hattusa Near Boğazkale (Çorum, Central Türkiye), Researchers Have Identified A Newly Recovered Akkadian Cuneiform Clay Piece As A Fragment Of The Kadesh Peace Treaty

    Ancient clay tablet with cuneiform inscriptions from historical civilization

    The 13th-century BCE agreement between Hittite king Hattusili III and Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II.

    The tablet was found near Building E in the Büyükkale citadel area. Only one face survives; the text is fragmentary, and a full scholarly transcription has not yet been released. Türkiyes Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the identification in late September 2026. Current excavations at the site are directed by Prof. Dr. Andreas Schachner.

    All That History Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago

    Multiple contemporary copies of this treaty were made at the time; this is from one of them. The complete text is known even though the original treaty (inscribed on silver tablets in two copies) is lost. Details @Wikipedia: Egyptian–Hittite peace treaty

    View more comments
    #23

    The Town Of Palmanova, Italy, Built As A Star Fort By The Venetian Republic In 1593

    Aerial view of star-shaped historic fortress and town with surrounding landscape

    All That History Report

    #24

    Magnificent Hand-Made Door Lock Crafted By Frank Koralewski In 1911, Using Gold, Silver And Bronze

    Intricately carved historical wooden door with detailed designs

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Made more secure because you need the instruction manual to use it.

    #25

    A 2,300 Year Old Mummified Cow From Ancient Egypt. Chosen From The Heard, The Best Cattle Were Given Up As A Sacrifice To The Bull God Apis - The God Of Fertility And Primordial Power

    Ancient bull-shaped mummy exhibit showcasing historical artifact

    All That History Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago

    "The Best Cattle Were Given Up As A Sacrifice To The Bull God Apis" and eaten by the priests of Apis, who thank you very much on behalf of the Bull God Apis, who said it was delicious.

    View more comments
    #26

    Cello And Violin Carved By Domenico Galli, Parma, 1649–1697. Estensi Galleries In Modena

    Intricately carved wooden violins in a museum display case

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    I'm no musician, but I'm guessing that neither plays as well the plain versions.

    View more comments
    #27

    Gold Locket With The Hair Of Queen Marie Antoinette

    Victorian-era hair lock inside a decorative locket with small key

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Given what happened to her, the locks would have been easy to get. But the courage to collect and preserve them in revolutionary France. Well that's a different story.

    #28

    The Ruins Of The 15th Century O'briens Castle On Inisheer Island In Ireland

    Ancient landscape of stone-walled farmland and historic ruins near sea

    All That History Report

    #29

    The Armor Of Karl X Gustav Of Sweden, 1660

    Impressive golden medieval knight armor on horseback with detailed decorations

    All That History Report

    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    The unicorn horn!

    #30

    Photographer On The Front Lines During The Great War (1914-1918)

    Black and white photo of a WWI soldier with vintage camera in trench

    All That History Report

    #31

    Hindenburg Disaster, May 6, 1937

    Black and white image of the Hindenburg airship disaster explosion

    All That History Report

    Rali Meyer
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    The accident caused 35 fatalities (13 passengers and 22 crewmen) among the 97 people on board. Meaning, there were survivors!

    View more comments
    #32

    A Victorian Home Being Moved By A Boat In Tiburon, California In 1957. In Many Cases, They Even Used Teams Of Horses To Move Entire Houses To New Locations

    Vintage photo of a house being transported on a barge on the water

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    I would have expected that by 1957, they'd be using machines to transport houses on land.

    View more comments
    #33

    The Aftermath Of The 1949 Blizzard Of The Century In Nebraska

    Historic image of man using an early telephone device in snowy outdoor environment

    All That History Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    "Yeah, those idiots have put the telegraph pole too deep again. "

    View more comments
    #34

    About 500 Bipyramidal Iron Bars — Roughly A Metric Ton — Turned Up In A Danube Gravel Pit At Deinham Near Hartkirchen, Upper Austria

    Collection of ancient lead sling bullets with identification tags historical artifacts

    They’re La Tène semi-finished iron, recovered in 2019. The leading read is transport loss from a river craft; ritual deposition isn’t ruled out, and no wreck was found. A Bavaria / Manching origin is plausible but unproven.

    Sword- or nail-count comparisons are only a scale check — not evidence of an army. Keep “largest…yet published” and absolute-year claims soft and sourced.

    All That History Report

    Chaos Pandas Unite
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    What?

    View more comments
    #35

    German Skull Watch, Mid-16th C Case, Mid-18th Century Movement. British Museum

    Antique skull-shaped mechanical watch with exposed gears

    All That History Report

    #36

    Pair Of Gauntlets Of Maximilian I, CA. 1490. Attributed To Lorenz Helmschmid

    Medieval blackened gauntlets displayed on a red cushion

    All That History Report

    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Frightening.

    #37

    Multi-Tool With 14 Functions - Nuremberg, Germany, Year 1560 Medium: Iron, Partially Blackened The Box, Decorated With The Shape Of The Fortuna, With Sliders And An Intermediate Floor, Contains Fourteen Anchored Little Tools.the Universal Instrument Is, In Its Kind, A Forerunner Of Today's Popular Pocket Knife

    Antique silver multi-tool with intricate floral engravings historic craftsmanship

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    I have something sort of like this , but it's Swiss.

    View more comments
    #38

    The RMS Queen Elizabeth, Arriving In New York With Returning WW2 Soldiers In 1945

    Overcrowded historic ship filled with people densely packed on the deck

    All That History Report

    #39

    In March 1888, A Massive Blizzard Hit The East Coast Of The United States, Stretching From Chesapeake Bay To Canada. The Photograph Shows An Unidentified Young Man Standing In A Shoveled Area On Madison Avenue And 40th Street In New York City

    Historic image of a city street buried in deep snow with a man standing in the path

    All That History Report

    #40

    World Trade Center Under Construction (1970)

    Under construction view of a large historic skyscraper with workers

    All That History Report

    moggiemoo
    Community Member
    29 minutes ago

    I always had the impression they covered more ground.

    #41

    The Statue Of Abraham Lincoln Inside Washington's Lincoln Memorial Under Construction In 1920. Originally Meant To Be 10 Feet Tall, It Was Increased To 19 Feet When It Became Clear The Smaller Size Would Be Overwhelmed By The Huge Chamber

    Black and white image of Lincoln Memorial statue under construction with workers around

    All That History Report

    Rali Meyer
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    and in the pedestal, plenty of room for all the faxes he sent!

    #42

    The Hearse Carrying The Body Of Elvis Presley Along Elvis Presley Boulevard On The Way To Forest Hills Cemetery In Memphis, August 19th 1977

    Historical black and white photo of a motorcade procession with crowd

    All That History Report

    #43

    Electric Charging, 11th July 1917

    Row of early electric delivery trucks plugged in inside a warehouse

    All That History Report

    #44

    A Record-Breaking 384-Pound Black Sea Bass Was Caught Off Catalina Island, California, On August 17, 1900, By Franklin Schenck Of Brooklyn Using Rod And Reel. The Catch Became One Of The Largest Documented Sea Bass Ever Recorded

    Two men with a world record large black sea bass fish at a historic fishing dock

    All That History Report

    #45

    Standing Cup; Nautilus Shell Mounted In Silver, Gilt And Chased; 1526-1575

    Ornate historical drinking vessel shaped like a dragon with gold detailing

    All That History Report

    #46

    The 1930's Version Of A Gps: This Auto Scrolling Map Was Supposed To Help People With Directions In Real Time

    Black and white photo of early car navigation device Iter Avto historical automotive tool

    All That History Report

    #47

    Napoleon’s Toothbrush, C 1795

    Vintage gold toothbrush with ornate floral design historic dental tool

    All That History Report

    Sportsgal
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Why would the bristle line be so long? There wouldn't be any room to move back and forth!

    #48

    Hand Crushing Machine Used By The Catholic Church In The 15th Century To Punish Those With “Greedy Hands"

    Historical t*****e device with a cross and iron clamps for hands

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    The Catholic Church, sigh!

    View more comments
    #49

    465-450 B.c., A Bronze Mirror Discovered In An Etruscan Tomb. The Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art Has The Mirror On Exhibit. Before The Romans, The Etruscans Were One Of The Most Powerful Civilizations In Ancient Italy

    Antique bronze mirror with winged figures and standing female statue

    All That History Report

    #50

    Men Stand In A 45 Ton Steel Pipe Over The Hoover Dam, 1935

    Historic construction workers inside giant concrete bucket at Hoover Dam site

    All That History Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Publicity photo of top management.

    View more comments
    #51

    A Construction Worker Making Preparations For The Removal Of The Original Statue Of Liberty Torch In 1985. The Old Torch Went On A Tour Of The Us Before It Was Moved To The Statue Of Liberty Museum. Photo By Keith Meyers

    Restoration of the Statue of Liberty torch with New York skyline in background historic landmark

    All That History Report

    Door Door
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Why was it removed?🤔

    View more comments
    #52

    A Colossal Marble Foot Wearing A Sandal — Greek, 1st Century Bc To 1st Century Ad. Housed At Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, UK

    Ancient sculpted marble foot with detailed sandal design on display

    All That History Report

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Banana, dammit, banana!

    View more comments
    #53

    Seahorse, Made In Germany, C.1590-1600. Medium: Silver Gilt, Turban Shell (Turbo Marmoratus)

    Golden horse sculpture with seashell and small figure holding reins history artifact

    All That History Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    There's fanciful, and then there's this.

    #54

    At The Battle Of Thermopylae In 480 Bc, A Collection Of Ancient Greek Armour Was Displayed With Persian Arrowheads Fired

    Ancient Greek helmets, spear, and shield displayed in a museum

    All That History Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    The scale doesn't look right. Those shields were small, weren't they?

    View more comments
    #55

    Homecoming Prisoner Of War - 1946. Photo By Ernst Haas

    Black and white photo of a person walking on crutches with prosthetic leg in historic urban setting

    All That History Report