Some artifacts have been hidden from history, banned, or censored for reasons that still spark debate. Whether it’s the secrets they hold or the controversy they stirred, these unusual objects have remained shrouded in mystery. Let’s take a closer look at 10 historical artifacts that were kept from the public eye—what’s really being kept under wraps?
1. The Dead Sea Scrolls
First discovered in the 1940s by Bedouin shepherds near the Dead Sea, these Scrolls include some of the oldest versions of the Bible, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While many fragments are now on display, some remain restricted to scholars due to political disputes and differing interpretations. What could these hidden texts reveal if they were fully shared with the public?
2. The Codex Gigas (Devil’s Bible)
The Codex Gigas, nicknamed the Devil’s Bible, is famous for its massive size and a chilling full-page illustration of Satan. Legend says a monk, condemned to death, sold his soul to the devil to write the book in one night. Its eerie imagery and tales of misfortune sparked centuries of fear, censorship, and fascination. It’s currently housed at the National Library of Sweden.
3. The Voynich Manuscript
The Voynich Manuscript, a 15th-century book of mysterious writing and strange illustrations, is named after Wilfrid Voynich, a Polish book dealer who bought it in 1912. Once censored for covering taboo topics like women’s health and astrology, it has around 240 pages, though some are missing. Now housed at Yale University, it remains a historical mystery as no one knows who actually wrote it.
4. The Newark Holy Stones
Discovered in the 1860s in Ohio, the Newark Holy Stones feature Hebrew inscriptions, including the Ten Commandments. While some believe they support the theory of ancient Native Americans descending from Israel’s Lost Tribes, many scholars argue they are forgeries. Though never formally banned/censored, some believe their true nature has been hidden, fueling ongoing debates. They’re now on display at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum.
5. The Gnostic Gospels
The Gnostic Gospels, discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, were censored and banned by early Church authorities who deemed them heretical. Rejected by Church Fathers and excluded from the Bible, these texts offer alternative views on Jesus and salvation. Their rediscovery has shed light on early Christian diversity, revealing suppressed beliefs that challenge orthodox teachings.
6. The Anarchist Cookbook
The Anarchist Cookbook, written by William Powell in 1971, gives instructions for making explosives, and drugs, and for acts of civil disobedience. It is banned in countries like Australia and has been involved in terrorism cases. The book has sparked debates about censorship. Although Powell later regretted writing it, its impact remains significant.
7. The Malleus Maleficarum
The Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1487, caused a lot of fear and led to the persecution of thousands accused of witchcraft. Some Church officials banned it because of its unethical methods, but the book still gained influence and fueled witch hunts across Europe. It serves as a strong reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority and how censorship can limit harmful ideas.
8. Copper Scroll
The Copper Scroll was found in 1952 and is different from the other Dead Sea Scrolls because it lists 64 treasure locations. Although it is not officially censored, there is ongoing debate about whether the treasures are real. Some people wonder if the details were changed to hide the actual locations, keeping the secrets buried forever.
9. The Elgin Marbles
The Elgin Marbles, taken from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin in 1801, remain a symbol of cultural conflict. While not banned, their removal sparked outrage. In the 1930s, a controversial cleaning damaged the sculptures. Housed in the British Museum, their return to Greece is still hotly debated, fueling ongoing tensions over cultural ownership and colonial history.
Sources:
Dead Sea Scrolls
Newark Holy Stones
British damage to Elgin marbles ‘irreparable’
Copper Scroll
