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 a few years ago, 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