The odd mess in this photo is a copper-alloy sword guard discovered in a shipwreck which is believed to be Queen Anne’s Revenge. Yes, that was the name of Pirate Blackbeard’s ship—and yes, this could be his sword.
The shipwreck was originally discovered in 2009, but archeologists are still sorting through it and discovering artifacts such as this sword guard. Now if only they could find a few intact treasure maps, life would be dandy. [National Geographic]
Photo via National Geographic