7 ancient monuments built using methods history can't explain

Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 1/15/2026
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Read original articleThe article highlights seven ancient monuments whose construction methods remain unexplained despite modern archaeological and scientific advances. These structures are notable not only for their monumental scale but also for the precision, logistics, and coordination involved in their creation—feats that challenge contemporary engineering capabilities. Key examples include Puma Punku in Bolivia, famous for its precisely carved megalithic blocks weighing over 131 metric tons with interlocking shapes and uniform drilled holes, and Nan Madol in Micronesia, an ancient city built on artificial islands requiring the transportation and assembly of massive basalt stones without any clear record of the techniques used.
Other remarkable sites include Sacsayhuamán in Peru, showcasing polygonal stone masonry with massive stones fitted so tightly that no mortar was needed and demonstrating advanced seismic resilience; and the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, carved from limestone bedrock with erosion patterns that raise questions about its age and construction environment. The article also briefly mentions Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, dating back to
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materialsancient-engineeringmegalithic-structuresstone-masonryconstruction-techniquesarchaeologystructural-precision