Stone Spheres

Costa Rica

The Stone Spheres of Costa Rica are one of the most mysterious and intriguing archaeological discoveries in the world. These perfectly round spheres, made of stone and ranging in size from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter, are scattered throughout the country’s southern Pacific region. Despite years of study and research, the true purpose and origin of these spheres remain a mystery.

The spheres were first discovered in the 1930s when the United Fruit Company was clearing land for banana plantations. Many of the spheres were destroyed during this process, but some were preserved and eventually brought to the attention of archaeologists. Since then, hundreds of spheres have been found, and they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The spheres are made of a type of igneous rock called granodiorite, which is found in the mountains of the region. The stones were likely quarried from these mountains and then transported to their current locations, which can be up to several kilometers away. The spheres were likely created using a combination of hammering and pecking techniques, as well as polishing with abrasive materials.

Despite the fact that the spheres were created over 1,000 years ago, they are remarkably well-preserved. Many of the spheres are still perfectly round, with no visible signs of wear or erosion. This has led some researchers to speculate that the spheres were used for astronomical purposes, as they could have been used to track the movements of the sun and stars.

Others believe that the spheres had a more practical purpose, such as being used as markers for important locations or as a form of currency. There is evidence to suggest that the spheres were sometimes moved from one location to another, which could support this theory.

There are also many myths and legends surrounding the spheres. Some local legends describe the spheres as having magical powers, and others claim that they were created by the gods. Many of these stories have been passed down through generations, and they continue to intrigue and fascinate people from all over the world.

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Source

UNESCO