Decoding ancient manuscripts has long puzzled scholars, with some texts remaining inscrutable throughout history. The Voynich manuscript, acquired in 1912, retains its mystery due to a cryptic code that has resisted decipherment for over a century. German Egyptologist Rainer Hannig proposes a new perspective, suggesting a Semitic language as the key.
In spirituality, The Urantia Book, written anonymously between 1924 and 1955, challenges conventional beliefs about Jesus and existence, sparking debates on divine wisdom versus potential hoaxes. Michel de Nostradamus’ Les Prophéties, a 16th-century work, allegedly foretells events from Hitler’s rise to the Challenger disaster.
The Oera Linda Book, initially considered a Frisian historical account, is now seen as a probable 19th-century hoax, even fooling high-ranking figures like Heinrich Himmler. The Rohonc Codex, a 16th-century Hungarian enigma, features indecipherable text and perplexing illustrations, sparking debates about authenticity.
The Sarajevo Haggadah, a 14th-century Jewish manuscript, survived wars and bombings, earning honor despite initial undervaluation. The Ripley Scroll, falsely attributed to alchemist Sir George Ripley, explores alchemical mysteries and the mythical philosopher’s stone. These cryptic volumes, defying understanding, invite scholars and enthusiasts to unravel their secrets, enriching the tapestry of historical mysteries.
Top image: There are many mysterious books from history, which defy our modern understanding. Source: gdgaffar / Adobe Stock.
By Robbie Mitchell
Robbie Mitchell is a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, he has been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. He spends his days working as a freelance writer researching the weird and wonderful and firmly believes that history should be both fun and accessible.