50 Creepy Photos That Reveal A Different Side To History

During his visit to Mongolia in July 1913, the renowned French photographer Albert Kahn captured an unsettling image that continues to stir unease among viewers. Kahn, known for his extensive travels to distant lands, happened upon a woman in Mongolia who was subjected to a cruel fate. Trapped within a makeshift tomb in a desolate desert, she was condemned to a slow and agonizing death by starvation. In her dire circumstances, her only source of sustenance came from small bowls of water placed on the ground, while she pleaded with passersby for meager contributions of food. Despite witnessing this distressing scene, Kahn felt bound by the ethical guidelines followed by anthropologists, who observe without interference in order to respect the legal and social systems of the cultures they study.

In 1886, an iconic picture was taken featuring Ella Harper, a young girl who gained fame as the “camel girl”. Ella had a distinctive orthopedic condition that enabled her to bend her knees in a fully backward position and navigate by crawling on all fours. Later that year, she became the star performer at W. H. Harris’s Nickel Plate Circus. Her pitch card at the circus included a detailed description of her remarkable abilities.

Pinhead on ice? No way, just another unconventional beauty trend from the 1960s. Those women were undeniably adventurous. Despite the eerie and illogical nature of their methods, they inadvertently discovered something beneficial. It is widely known that ice can alleviate muscle fatigue and reduce puffiness around the eyes. However, their approach was needlessly intricate compared to the straightforward frozen gel-packs we have today, which yield similar results. It would have been more practical for them to simply freeze a damp cloth for 20 minutes and gently place it on their faces. But then again, that wouldn’t have aligned with the spirit of the 60s!

Imagine how different dental visits were in the past, before highly trained dentists were practicing. Instead, it was barber-surgeons who were in charge. These alleged “skilled” laborers would extract teeth for any reason, even when the infection had already spread to the gums and only antibiotics could effectively treat it. Anesthetic was scarce, so just envision a scenario where a wild-eyed figure, similar to Sweeney Todd, is ruthlessly operating on your mouth without any pain relief. It’s no wonder that the mortality rate associated with dental procedures used to be alarmingly high.

Come and see this fascinating picture! Here we have the well-preserved heart of Auguste Delagrange, a notorious figure from the early 1900s who was believed to have committed at least 40 murders and was rumored to be an actual vampire. He was executed for his horrific crimes in 1912, and as a precaution to ensure his eternal peace, a small stake was inserted into his alleged vampire heart. Now, this once-life-sustaining organ is mummified, serving as a haunting reminder of Delagrange’s sinister reputation.

Behold the unsettling vintage Battletoads taxidermy found in a remote 19th-century French mansion that had been isolated for more than a century. This peculiar dwelling once belonged to the enigmatic Louis Mantin, a wealthy and benevolent but eccentric man. The intriguing Mantin Mansion had been securely sealed as per Mr. Mantin’s desires, as extreme wealth often accompanies peculiar behaviors. Despite his demise in 1905, his will stipulated that the mansion remain sealed until a century after his passing, when it would be accessible to the public. Adding to the bizarre nature of this discovery, the contents of the time capsule revealed such peculiarities!

In this captivating photo from 1937, a remarkable grasshopper captures our attention. It was so extraordinary that it made headlines in the local newspaper, the Tomah (Wis.) Monitor-Herald, on September 9th, 1937. The front page boldly proclaimed, “Giant Grasshoppers Invade Butts Orchard East of City.” The article accompanying the photo described an astonishing occurrence that was indeed real. Farmer A. L. Butts had cultivated a unique plant food for his apple orchard, which caused the grasshoppers that consumed it to grow to an astounding length of three feet.

In the past, young girls in China would endure a painful tradition of tightly binding their feet to restrict their growth. This practice led to their toes curling and their feet shrinking, creating the illusion of delicate feet, while ultimately causing severe deformities and disabilities for themselves and future generations. The desired foot size was to be no more than three inches long and have a crescent shape, as it represented beauty, social status, and wealth. Although foot binding was eventually banned in China during the 20th century, there are still elderly women today who continue to suffer from lifelong disabilities as a result of this excruciating and outdated custom.

Envision a creature, fully aware and focused, staring at you as if you were a mouthwatering delicacy. Its bones could easily blend in within the HR Giger museum, perhaps as an impressive stair railing. Yet, this terrifying entity is not even the biggest of its kind. Anacondas can exceed 29 feet in length and weigh over 550 pounds! Some have even been recorded with a diameter of over 12 inches. Intriguingly, the females of this species grow significantly larger than their male counterparts.

Situated in the enchanting Faroe Islands, nestled between Iceland and Norway, lies a captivating visual trickery. Initially, when one sets eyes upon Lake Sørvágsvatn, it gives the impression of being elevated hundreds of feet above the vast ocean. Nevertheless, in actuality, this lake resides merely 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level, while the underlying rock formation stretches to a towering height of 100 meters (328 feet). This intriguing phenomenon is contingent upon the viewpoint from which it is observed. Through the power of photography, skillfully capturing the ideal perspective creates an illusion where the cliff appears colossal, while the lake seemingly rests at the same level.

This opalized tree piece is truly breathtaking, possessing a beauty that is otherworldly. According to experts at ZME Science, this particular sample is extremely rare. While opal is commonly found within fossilized wood, this piece is a fire opal, making it even more exceptional and valuable. Fire opals are renowned for their captivating range of colors. But how does this incredible transformation happen? The process is actually quite simple. Water slowly seeped into the tiny cracks and gaps of the fossil, gradually solidifying and transforming into opal due to its high silica content. And there you have it! A tree that would surely be beloved by fairies themselves!

During the Victorian era in the 1800s, Europeans showed a disregard for Egypt’s history after Napoleon’s conquest. Mummies, which should have been respected, were instead treated as comical items and sold by street vendors. The European upper class even organized “Mummy Unwrapping Parties” for their amusement, where mummies were unwrapped before enthusiastic audiences. Furthermore, the well-preserved remains of ancient Egyptians were pulverized into powder and consumed as a medicinal remedy at the time. These actions are highly objectionable.

The Bear Paw Armor used in the Indo-Persian Islamic Empire Dynasty is truly remarkable. It is so terrifying that even someone like Freddy Krueger would be shaken by it. The Indo-Persian culture combines Persian elements that have influenced the societies of South Asia, specifically North India and Pakistan. Although claw-like gloves were not exclusive to this area, they were commonly employed as weapons by warriors of that time.

In this photograph, a woman from the Apatani tribe proudly showcases her nose plugs. The Apatani women originally used these nose plugs as a safety measure. They aimed to make themselves unattractive to men from other tribes, hoping to prevent abduction or sexual violence. It is saddening that these women felt the need to modify their appearance intentionally to safeguard themselves from potential harm caused by men.

Death masks are typically crafted from wax or plaster, using a mold taken directly from the face of the deceased. These masks serve as accurate representations of the person who has passed away, although slight adjustments can be made if desired. Occasionally, the eyes of the mask are altered to create the unsettling illusion of the subject being alive. Death masks have a long history, originating in ancient Egypt, and have been utilized to aid portrait sculptors. In more recent centuries, they have also been cherished as mementos to honor and remember the departed.

In 1978, a fascinating sight unfolded in St. Louis – the sale of brains. However, fear not, it was not the work of Hannibal Lecter opening a deli. Surprisingly, consuming animal brains is a customary practice in certain cultures. Various cuisines, including those from Italy, France, Spain, El Salvador, and Mexico, incorporate cow or veal brains into their culinary creations. Interestingly, this particular photograph gained notoriety as it graced the cover of Bill Frisell’s 1991 album titled “Where in the World?” As the third release under the Elektra Nonesuch label, this album showcases exceptional performances by Frisell, Hank Roberts, Kermit Driscoll, and Joey Baron.

This is indeed an authentic photograph of a preserved human heart. In 1863, a worker discovered it in a lead cyst inside the crypt of an old church. The heart was found on top of a coffin lid, along with a metal plate engraved with the date ‘1549’, although no name was connected to it. The circumstances surrounding the heart’s placement and the identity of its original owner remain unknown, which adds to its unsettling nature. One theory is that it was involved in a religious ritual, as the tradition of separately burying the heart originates from the mystical belief that the soul and consciousness reside within it. This belief holds that the heart is the most revered aspect of a person and holds the key to life and emotions.

Nosferatu, released in 1922, was the first of over 200 film adaptations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Unlike the typical romanticized depiction of vampires, this film took a different approach. Max Schreck’s portrayal of Dracula was grotesque and demonic, deviating from the notion of a human possessed by a sinister entity. In contrast to the usual sexual and flamboyant characteristics associated with vampires, Schreck deliberately abandoned these traits, resulting in a unique and impactful performance. Count Orlok, portrayed as a purely demonic being, was brought to life by Schreck’s creepy and animalistic interpretation. It is this portrayal that made “Nosferatu” the chilling and highly influential silent film that it is known as today, deviating from the conventional and leaving a lasting impact.

During the Middle Ages, individuals who were prone to excessive talking or constant complaining could face a peculiar contraption called a scold’s bridle, witch’s bridle, brank’s bridle, or simply branks. Regardless of its given name, this device was specifically created to inflict punishment, torture, and shame upon the wearer. It was comprised of an iron framework, screws, and occasionally a muzzle that covered the entirety of the head. While predominantly employed on women, historical records from Scotland’s main towns, known as the Burgh Records, suggest that men were also subjected to the use of branks.

Located in northern Utah, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. A causeway effectively divides the lake into two distinct sections, known for their vibrant colors caused by unique bacteria. The presence of these bacteria adds an intriguing beauty to the lake, creating a sense of fascination. Interestingly, local folklore tells a tale of a mysterious creature that lives in the lake. In 1877, J.H. McNeil and his colleagues from Barnes and Co. Salt Works claimed to have encountered a monstrous being on the lake’s north shore. They described it as having a huge size, a body resembling a crocodile, and a horse’s head. Frightened, they quickly ran away and hid until morning. While there is no evidence to support the existence of this creature, it has become known as the North Shore Monster, adding to the captivating legends surrounding the lake.

The stage at the Bregenzer Festspiele in Austria is truly awe-inspiring. Specifically built for the Bregenz performing arts festival, this Opera stage is nothing short of incredible. The festival, also known as the Bregenz Festival, is famous for its extravagant and highly acclaimed productions. One of their most remarkable works was the stunning set for Verdi’s opera “A Masked Ball” in 1999. The set featured a massive book stage that was revealed by a skeleton, creating a truly extraordinary performance. This unforgettable spectacle took place on Lake Constance in Bregenz, Austria.

The Maya culture believed in performing human sacrifices to nourish the gods. They viewed blood from any living creature as containing potent nourishment, making the sacrifice of a human life the most important offering. Generally, they selected high-ranking prisoners of war for sacrifice and employed diverse methods. These methods ranged from decapitation, heart removal, shooting with arrows, throwing sacrifices into sinkholes, burying them alive with noble burials, to tying them into a ball for a ceremonial reenactment of the Mesoamerican ballgame, often concluding with disembowelment. Undoubtedly, this practice was both intense and astonishing.

Josephine Myrtle Corbin, a famous sideshow performer from America, was born with a rare condition called dipygus. This condition caused her body axis to divide during development, resulting in two separate pelvises positioned next to each other. Moreover, she had a total of four legs, with each outer leg paired with a smaller inner leg. Although she could move her inner legs, they were too weak for walking. At the age of 13, she joined the sideshow circuit and gained recognition as the “Four-Legged Girl from Texas”. Eventually, she left the entertainment industry and married James Clinton Bicknell at 19 years old. Together, they had a family of four daughters and one son. During her first pregnancy, it was revealed that both sides of her external and internal genital organs were symmetrical. Interestingly, it was her left uterus that was carrying the pregnancy at that time.

Imagine stumbling upon a horrifying sight as a logger – a hound dog named Stuckie, trapped in a tree and preserved like a mummy. This peculiar discovery occurred in the 80s when loggers were cutting down a Chestnut Oak Tree. Instead of discarding Stuckie at the Pulp Mill, they generously donated him to Forest World, a renowned tourist attraction in Georgia that celebrates the beauty of trees. It is truly astonishing how well-preserved Stuckie is, considering he had been mummified for approximately 20 years before his unearthing. Visitors to Forest World can learn about the extraordinary circumstances that led to his impeccable preservation in the natural environment.

Florida, you constantly astound with your unique charm. Previously, pageants were arranged for virtually any imaginable quality or talent nationwide. Women willingly exposed themselves to the judgment of strangers, whether it be for their attractiveness, posture, ankles, or even their feet. This image immortalizes the participants of a 1930 “Miss Lovely Eyes” contest held in Florida. It appears appropriate to create an unsettling ambiance to adequately evaluate a woman’s eyes, wouldn’t you agree?

In 1903, James Ricalton took a photograph that displayed bullock skin boats navigating the river Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh. This particular image was later included in Ricalton’s book titled ‘India Through the Stereoscope’ published in 1907.

Situated on the boundary between Transylvania and Wallachia, the remarkable Bran Castle, popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, is a well-known national monument and landmark in Romania. It is among several locations linked to the Dracula myth, along with Poenari Castle and Hunyad Castle, both associated with Vlad III Dracula. Despite the belief that Bran Castle may have served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, there is no evidence to indicate that Stoker was even aware of its existence.

Here is a rewritten version of the paragraph: Observe the African death’s head hawkmoth up close and discover its unique features. Among its kind, the Acherontia species stands out with its skull-shaped pattern on the thorax, though it may be faintly visible. This moth possesses unusual traits, such as emitting a loud squeaking sound when annoyed and displaying its brightly marked abdomen to discourage predators. Moreover, this species has a particular fondness for raiding beehives in search of honey, particularly targeting colonies of the well-known Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Surprisingly, it is more discerning than other Acherontia species, and its strong exterior and resistance to venom allow it to infiltrate the hive. Once inside, it adopts the scent of the bees, seamlessly blending in.

In 2013, a massive waterspout approached Tampa, Florida, creating a breathtaking scene. Although visually impressive, it is crucial to recognize that waterspouts are essentially water-based tornadoes. While they are generally weaker than their land counterparts, they still possess considerable power. Fortunately, these spouts typically dissipate rather swiftly, lasting only five to ten minutes. However, within this brief time frame, they can inflict significant damage. Joey Mole, a Florida resident, managed to capture an extraordinary photograph of this phenomenon. Furthermore, there is a circulating internet video that accompanies the photo, containing explicit language for those interested in viewing it.

The paragraph describes a hand-shaped brand used on criminals and deserters in England from 1642 to 1649. The purpose of branding was to shame and identify wrongdoers. The British Army created this hand-shaped brand during the English Civil War from 1641 to 1651. The brand features the initials ‘CR’ surrounding a crown, believed to represent King Charles I who was executed for treason in 1649. This specific brand was used to mark deserters from the Royalist army. However, this practice was discontinued in 1879.

Keith Richards, a renowned guitarist and co-founder of the Rolling Stones, is highly regarded for his immense talent and unwavering commitment to music. He effortlessly transitions between lead and rhythm guitar in a single song and takes charge of all guitar parts in the studio. Some remarkable tracks that showcase his exceptional guitar skills include “Paint It Black,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Gimme Shelter.” In addition to his guitar prowess, Richards also lends his backup vocals and occasionally takes the lead. Rolling Stone magazine has bestowed upon him the title of “rock’s greatest single body of riffs” on guitar. Furthermore, in 2011, he was ranked fourth on the magazine’s list of the 100 best guitarists. Notably, fourteen songs co-written by Richards and Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones, have secured a place on the esteemed “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list by Rolling Stone magazine.

In the 15th century, the Catholic Church utilized a terrifying device to punish those accused of having “greedy hands.” This practice went against the widely accepted notion that “idle hands do the devil’s work,” leaving one to wonder what the church would have done to individuals displaying such inclinations. Sadly, this machine is just one example of the countless torture devices that have been created over time. Across different societies and faiths, humans have consistently found the most gruesome ways to impose punishment on each other. Thankfully, this disturbing contraption is no longer in use.

During the 1920s, Halloween had an eerie atmosphere characterized by perplexing costumes. Children would don horrifying skull masks and face coverings resembling actual skin, transforming themselves into unrecognizable figures. The enigmatic masks were especially disconcerting, leaving people puzzled about their intended portrayal. Furthermore, it was customary to don occult robes and hoods, which might have been a genuine representation of spiritualist camp fashion.

There are around 8,000 known species of centipedes globally, indicating a significant worldwide presence. However, if you were expecting different information, I apologize. Certain species, like those in the Geophilomorpha and Scolopendromorpha groups, have a higher number of maternal females. These females actively protect and care for their eggs by guarding and licking them to prevent fungal threats. Some females even continue to look after their offspring after they hatch, ensuring their safety until they are capable of exploring on their own. Interestingly, disturbances can have negative consequences, such as the female abandoning or consuming her eggs. Furthermore, in certain species, the young have been observed consuming their own mother. These fascinating behaviors certainly make centipedes incredibly captivating creatures, don’t you agree?

The origins and purpose of Stonehenge remain a mystery, making it an enigma for researchers. Numerous theories have been proposed, many of which involve mystical explanations. However, in 2007, archaeologists discovered a nearby village, sparking speculation that Stonehenge might have been a sacred burial site, potentially for ancient kings. Yet, due to the fragmented state of the remains, it seems more likely that it served as a destination for those seeking healing or relief. The rocks themselves are believed to possess magical properties, a belief that stems from a legend that claims they were brought from Ireland and imbued with enchantments by the sorcerer Merlin.

Looking at it doesn’t it make you feel anxious? It gives the impression that it could collapse onto the trolley car, doesn’t it? By its sixth year, the Great Gorge Route was operating trolley cars through the gorge every fifteen minutes, seven days a week. However, it would be closed seasonally, mainly from May to April 30th, due to the high likelihood of rockfalls. Despite this two-month closure, the route still managed to attract an impressive average of 200,000 passengers. The erosion of the walls posed a major threat to the railroad, which could have been foreseen from the beginning. Rockfalls repeatedly caused disruptions to the Great Gorge Route. Fortunately, throughout its forty years of operation and with over thirteen million passengers, nobody was ever harmed by a falling rock.

Roy Lee “Rocky” Dennis suffered from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone disorder that causes abnormal hardening of the bones. This condition often results in neurological complications and premature death during childhood or adolescence. Rocky’s life inspired the 1985 drama film Mask. Despite his visual and auditory impairments and debilitating headaches, Rocky surpassed expectations and achieved numerous accomplishments that his doctors thought were impossible. Against medical advice, he began school at six years old and eventually learned to read. Although he initially struggled academically (spending two years in first grade), he made significant progress before passing away at the age of 16.

In this haunting image, we observe a young girl standing among gravestones, completely engrossed in her reflection on the surface of a lake. What makes this scene even more peculiar is that two reflections are visible, hinting at the presence of an unseen entity that can only be perceived through the water. The true identity of the girl, the exact location, and the time this photograph was captured all remain wrapped in an enigmatic veil. Experts have scrutinized the photo’s appearance and the girl’s attire, leading them to speculate that it dates back to the early 1900s. Although some argue that the image has undergone thorough analysis and remains unaltered, many believe it is a composite made up of multiple images. This mysterious photograph, known as “The Reflecting Pool,” is part of an extensive collection curated by Peter A. Cohen over the course of 25 years. Cohen has dedicated his time to amassing a vast assortment of old and perplexing photographs, of which “The Reflecting Pool” is just one example. These captivating images, including the aforementioned one, can be found within the pages of the book Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

Isn’t it astonishingly unsettling how impressive the pirate ship from the film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest appears? Prior to its inclusion with Johnny Depp, it went through a process of being coated with Super-Krete’s Bond-Kote and embellished with intricate and ornamental concrete overlays. This ship truly served as an appropriate vessel for the notorious pirate of the Seven Seas, Captain Jack Sparrow. As stated in the Disney biography, Captain Jack Sparrow is portrayed as a mischievous prankster of the Caribbean, a captain with questionable ethics and sobriety. He excels at self-promotion and prioritizing his own interests, constantly battling against his own instincts for the better.

In rural areas of Australia, a unique event known as “spider rain” has been happening for quite some time. Back in 1914, it was initially referred to as “angel hair” and believed to be connected to otherworldly or mythical beings. Keith Basterfield, a retiree from South Australia, has dedicated more than 15 years to researching this strange phenomenon. He has noticed that spider rain usually occurs in May or August, on clear and slightly breezy days following heavy rainfall. This occurrence is caused by baby spiders migrating in search of food. Essentially, these tiny creatures decide to join the party of the mosquitoes that come out after a rainstorm and feed on them. Basterfield provides further insight into the dynamics of this event.

Antoine Michel Wemaer and Marie-Alide Heene, both from Bruges, Belgium, are laid to rest in the Burges Cemetery. They were married in 1800 and remained together until Antoine’s death on November 24, 1837. In a touching testament to their enduring love, they were buried side by side in this cemetery. It is interesting to mention that during that time period, the skull and crossbones were commonly used as a symbol to remind people of the certainty of death.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, dentistry attracted a diverse group of practitioners, such as ivory turners, jewelers, chemists, wigmakers, and blacksmiths, as mentioned by Rachel Bairsto, curator at the British Dental Association museum in London. The demand for new teeth was high, even among the wealthy who suffered from severe tooth decay. Given the early stage of dentistry, professionals started using teeth from deceased individuals to create dentures. The Battle of Waterloo alone provided a large supply of teeth from fallen soldiers. During this period, dentures were primarily made with ivory base plates, to which human teeth were attached or ivory “teeth” were directly incorporated into the denture structure.

Archaeologists in Italy have made an incredible discovery of a Roman-era couple who have been holding hands for an astonishing 1,500 years. These findings were made in central-northern Italy, and it is believed that this couple lived during the 5th and 6th century A.D. The couple was found in simple trench tombs, indicating that they were not likely to be affluent individuals. The excavation director, Donato Labate, suggests that they could have been residents of a farm. It was also noted that the couple was initially buried with their faces facing each other; however, the man’s vertebrae indicate that his head had shifted position after death.

Observe this striking marine creature! It fearlessly moves ahead, actively searching for humans to offer as sacrifices to Cthulhu. Can you envision yourself as the diver in such a scenario? Sensing the enormous tentacles tightly wrapping around your ankles? It is quite probable that every Science Fiction Horror movie ever seen by the diver is playing in their mind at this exact moment.

Despite its lack of stealth, this loud and cumbersome armor appeared to fulfill its purpose effectively. Surprisingly, this armor, which seems unfitting for the Renaissance era, was employed by the military until as late as World War I. It was regarded as highly innovative in its time and provided substantial defense against bullets, although not completely infallible. Undoubtedly, its appearance is quite horrifying. Whether armed or unarmed, it is improbable that anyone would willingly approach this unsettling figure on the battlefield.

Take a glance at these charming little goblins! Disregard the Avengers costumes, as this vintage photograph captures a time when children truly knew how to dress up and give a fright on Halloween. These youngsters certainly had the right idea! As per tradition, Samhain was the sole occasion when the departed could return to Earth and wander alongside the living. They would cause mischief, harm crops, and even potentially transport innocent souls back to the underworld before sunrise. To blend in with the supernatural beings that lurk in the shadows, individuals would disguise themselves with masks, cloaks, and peculiar hats to resemble ghosts, ghouls, and witches.