Archaeology, a gateway to the past, has uncovered numerous discoveries over the years that have rewritten history and deepened our understanding of our ancestors. Here are ten exciting archaeological discoveries that truly shook the world.

1. Tutankhamun's Tomb

Unearthed by Howard Carter in 1922, the virtually intact tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun offered an incredible insight into ancient Egyptian culture. Read more about this discovery here.

2. Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, was discovered in 1974. It offered unprecedented insights into China's ancient military might. Learn more about this discovery here.

3. Pompeii

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Its excavation provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana. Discover more about Pompeii here.

4. Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves near the Dead Sea, have shed new light on early Christianity and Judaism. Explore the Dead Sea Scrolls here.

5. Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone, found by French soldiers in 1799, played a critical role in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs—a script made up of small pictures that was used by ancient Egyptians. Learn more about the Rosetta Stone here.

6. Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

The 1939 discovery of the Sutton Hoo ship burial, one of the most magnificent archaeological finds in England for its size and completeness, has offered a deeper understanding of the sophisticated culture of the early Anglo-Saxons. Read more about Sutton Hoo here.

7. Lascaux Cave Paintings

Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave paintings are significant because of their exceptional quality, size, sophistication and antiquity. Estimated to be up to 20,000 years old, the paintings consist primarily of large animals. Learn more about Lascaux Cave Paintings here.

8. Machu Picchu

The 15th-century Inca site, located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, was brought to international attention by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. This spectacular site offers a unique window into the past. Explore Machu Picchu here.

9. The Antikythera Mechanism

Discovered in an ancient shipwreck near Crete in 1901, the Antikythera Mechanism is a complex clockwork mechanism designed to predict solar and lunar eclipses and other celestial events. It’s often referred to as the first known analog computer. Read more about Antikythera Mechanism here.

10. Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe, a monumental temple complex located in southeastern Turkey, is one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Dated to around 9600 to 7300 B.C., it predates Stonehenge by some 6,000 years and has reshaped our understanding of the evolution of human society. Learn more about Gobekli Tepe here.

Each of these discoveries has left a significant mark on our understanding of human history. They remind us that our past is a rich tapestry of culture, innovation, and fascinating events that have shaped our world today.