People Talk About The Most Interesting Historical Items That Have Been Lost Or Destroyed In History

Which historical item would you most like to see here today?

Museums around the world are filled with incredibly important items and art that reflect the cultural and technological evolution of the world’s history. However, it isn’t always items that fit in museums; it also includes statues, environmental wonders, and even the buildings themselves.

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Unfortunately, many things are missing from these catalogs. Whether items were simply lost to time or intentionally destroyed, it is safe to say that the world would be a different place with them in it. History buffs probably have an abundance of answers to this question, so read on to see how some incredibly interesting things are no longer with us. 

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"What is the most expensive or historically significant item to ever be destroyed?"

The question was posted by Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher, who states, "The stories we tell about our past shape our present and future." This highlights the significance of historical narratives and the impact of lost or destroyed items on collective memory.

Champ

Dr. Esther Perel:

"The destruction of historical landmarks often stems from a desire for notoriety or to make a statement, much like the infamous act of Herostratus who burned down the Temple of Artemis to ensure his name would be remembered. This reflects a complex interplay between legacy and infamy in human behavior."

The Parthenon

LabKitty

"The Parthenon remained largely intact for about 2,000 years until it was hit by an artillery shell in 1687. The same goes for the monastery at Monte Cassino, which was bombed to rubble in World War II. The Allies also bombed the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan (where da Vinci painted The Last Supper), but fortunately, it only resulted in minor damage.Edit: "It resulted in only minor damage" => the bombing only resulted in minor damage to The Last Supper (although the church was not so fortunate).Edit 2: 2,000 years, not 1,000. (I subtracted 439 from 1687; I should have added. Derp.)Edit 3: Apparently, it was a combination of the (Venetian) artillery shell and munitions the Ottomans were storing there that caused the damage.Thanks, everyone!"

The Golden Spruce

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist

"The Golden Spruce, a tree on Queen Charlotte Island that held deep significance for the Aboriginals and was a unique genetic anomaly, was tragically cut down by a logger in a misguided act of protest against logging practices." - Dr. Alexandra Solomon

Mayan Codices

Dr. Helen Fisher

"The loss of cultural artifacts, like the Mayan Codices, represents not just a loss of knowledge but a profound tragedy for humanity. Each piece contained the essence of a civilization's identity and understanding of the world." - Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist.

Namdaemun in Seoul

Dr. Daniel Goleman

"The loss of cultural heritage can have profound emotional impacts on communities. When a significant structure like Namdaemun is destroyed, it not only erases a piece of history but also affects the identity and emotional well-being of the people connected to it,"said Dr. Goleman, an expert in emotional intelligence. "Such acts of destruction, driven by personal grievances, often overlook the broader implications for cultural continuity and community resilience."

More on Korea

[deleted]:

"I was in Korea in May and was shocked that over 90% of the historical sites are rebuilt or replicas of their ancient counterparts. What wasn't destroyed by Japan (almost everything, because their goal was to erase all remnants of Korean culture) was bombed during the Korean War.It was just so...sad... A culture just as old and rich as China's with almost nothing to show for it."

Last words

Dr. Daniel Gilbert

"The loss of Einstein's last words is a poignant reminder of how communication can falter in critical moments. It highlights the importance of language in conveying profound thoughts," says Dr. Gilbert, a renowned happiness researcher.

Old trees

Daniel Pink:

"The oldest tree ever found was cut down in an attempt to determine its age, only to discover it was the oldest known tree. This highlights the importance of preserving our natural history." SourceEdit: The individual who cut it down expressed deep regret upon realizing its significance. For a deeper understanding, check out the insightful discussions on this topic at Radiolab.

The more you know...

religionisaparasite

"The sack of Rome in 455 AD by the Vandals.You know it's bad when the name of your tribe is used for the rest of history to describe hooligans."

Check out this list for more

[deleted]:

"Wikipedia has a good list of lost artworks"

The Old Summer Palace in Beijing

pearofperowne:

"The Old Summer Palace in Beijing was destroyed by French and British troops during the Opium War. According to one of the soldiers who took part in the destruction:"We went out, and after pillaging it, burned the whole place, destroying in a vandal-like manner most valuable property which [could] not be replaced for four million. We received upward of £48 apiece in prize money... I have done well. The [local] people are very civil, but I think the grandees hate us, as they must after what we did to the Palace. You can scarcely imagine the beauty and magnificence of the places we burned. It made one’s heart sore to burn them; in fact, these places were so large, and we were so pressed for time, that we could not plunder them carefully. Quantities of gold ornaments were burned, considered as brass. It was wretchedly demoralizing work for an army.""

Bamiyan Buddha statue

Dr. Helen Fisher:

"The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statue by the Taliban is a poignant reminder of how cultural heritage can be lost. As a biological anthropologist, I emphasize the importance of preserving our shared history, as it shapes our identity and understanding of humanity."

The Isabella Stewart Gardner heist

James Clear:

"The Isabella Stewart Gardner heist is a fascinating case of art theft that remains unsolved, with an estimated $500 million worth of art stolen in 1990. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in art security and the ongoing mystery surrounding lost masterpieces, including Rembrandt's 'The Storm on the Sea of Galilee,' which captivates both art lovers and historians alike."

The Hope Diamond

Dr. Daniel Gilbert:

"The Hope Diamond, once part of the French Crown Jewels, has a storied history that includes theft and recutting, leading to its current form housed in the Smithsonian. The loss of its original size is indeed a poignant reminder of how historical treasures can be altered." "While its monetary value may not be the highest, the emotional and historical significance of such artifacts makes their mutilation particularly heartbreaking," he adds.

And one we're about to lose

Dr. Helen Fisher

"As we lose significant historical items, we also lose pieces of our collective memory and identity."

Thanks, Moses

Dr. Shefali Tsabary:

"Moses' impulsive act of destroying the tablets symbolizes the profound consequences of emotional reactions, highlighting the importance of self-regulation in moments of crisis."

Arc of the Covenant

Dr. Michele Gelfand:

"The Arc of the Covenant, while shrouded in mystery, represents not just a physical artifact but a symbol of cultural significance. Its potential destruction or loss underscores how history often erases the most important elements of our past."

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