Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most remarkable discoveries happen when people least expect them. Whether buried beneath backyards, hidden within historic structures, or submerged in deep waters, these accidental finds have left people astounded. From World War II relics to ancient treasures, here are ten astonishing discoveries made purely by chance.
Live WWII Bombs Found in an Orlando Neighborhood
Location: Orlando, Florida
Year of Discovery: 2008
Estimated Cleanup Costs: $10 million
Residents of an Orlando neighborhood were shocked to learn that live World War II bombs lay beneath their homes. The area was once the Pinecastle Jeep Range, where the U.S. military conducted bomb tests during WWII. The discovery prompted an extensive $10 million cleanup operation by the Army Corps of Engineers. Red flags dotted well-kept lawns, marking areas where the explosives were located, raising concerns about safety and historical oversight.
A Fairy-Tale Treasure Found in an Austrian Backyard
Location: Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Year Found: 2011
Estimated Value: Undisclosed
An Austrian man digging in his backyard made an extraordinary discovery—a treasure trove containing 200 rings, ornate belt buckles, silver plates, and other medieval jewelry. Experts determined the hoard was around 650 years old. Despite no official valuation, it was hailed as one of Austria’s most significant medieval discoveries.
Mastodon Bones Uncovered in a New York Backyard
Location: Hyde Park, New York
Year Found: 2000
Estimated Value: $6,000
While clearing out a backyard pond, Larry Lozier stumbled upon what he initially believed was a log. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the remains of a mastodon, an ancient relative of the elephant. Scientists and archaeologists soon arrived to examine the well-preserved remains, shedding light on prehistoric life in North America.
Bronze Age Standing Stone Rediscovered in England
Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
Year Found: 2001
Estimated Value: Incalculable
Amateur historian Stephen Davis set out to find the long-lost Horestone, a Bronze Age standing stone referenced in records dating back to the 12th century. His search ended in his own backyard, where the ancient monument—believed to mark an ancient burial site—had remained hidden. The discovery fascinated historians, as the stone was rumored to possess mystical properties.
The Seattle Underground: A Hidden City Beneath the Streets
Location: Seattle, Washington
Year of Discovery: 1889
Estimated Cost of City Damage: $8 million
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 destroyed the city’s wooden structures, officials decided to rebuild atop the ruins, leaving behind a network of tunnels and passageways beneath the streets. Today, the Seattle Underground Tour offers visitors a glimpse into this forgotten world, where remnants of 19th-century buildings and storefronts remain eerily preserved.
The Jawbone of the Legendary ‘Sea Devil’ Found in Siberia
Location: Lake Labynkyr, Siberia, Russia
Year Found: 2014
Estimated Value: Unknown
Divers exploring the depths of Lake Labynkyr stumbled upon a massive jawbone belonging to an unidentified creature. The discovery lent credence to local legends of a mysterious “Sea Devil” that had supposedly haunted the waters for centuries. While experts remain uncertain about its origins, the find continues to fuel speculation and intrigue.
A Sri Lankan Artifact Hidden in a UK Garden
Location: Devon, England
Year Found: 2013
Estimated Value: $47,500
A homeowner in Devon, UK, had unknowingly stepped over an ancient Sri Lankan moonstone for decades before its true significance was uncovered. The Sandakada Pahana, a rare artifact from Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura Period (400 B.C. to 1,000 A.D.), had somehow ended up as a garden doorstep. After its identification, the stone was sold at auction, attracting attention from Sri Lankan officials seeking its return.
A Boy Finds a Cheetah in His Backyard
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Year Found: 2008
Estimated Value: $1,000–$2,000
Nine-year-old Toby Taylor was playing in his backyard when he came face-to-face with an escaped cheetah. Initially dismissed as a child’s imagination, the claim was proven true when his mother saw the animal herself and called the authorities. The cheetah, which had escaped from a nearby zoo, was safely returned to its enclosure.
A Tunnel System and Hidden Room in a ‘Creepy’ Home
Location: United States
Year Found: 2021
Estimated Value: Unknown
A woman renting a 1959 house documented her discoveries on TikTok, revealing an eerie network of crawlspaces and secret tunnels within the property. One small door led to a passage connecting different rooms, prompting both intrigue and unease. While it remains unclear why these hidden spaces were originally built, her videos captivated millions.
Prohibition-Era Whiskey Hidden Within a New York Home’s Walls
Location: Ames, New York
Year Found: 2020
Estimated Value: $66,000
While renovating their century-old home, Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker uncovered 66 bottles of whiskey hidden within the walls. Rumors suggested the house had been built by a bootlegger, and this find seemingly confirmed the stories. The well-preserved bottles, dating back to the Prohibition era, were valued at around $66,000.
