What’s Hidden Underground In This University In Georgia Is Unexpected But Awesome
Marisa Roman
Author
Everyone loves a good mystery, right? How about those types of mysteries which are buried underground, and ultimately locked behind a steel door so that nobody can enter until May 28, 8113?
We’re talking about the Crypt of Civilization, which is located in the basement of Phoebe Hearst Hall, at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. This 2,000-cubic-foot crypt, which was welded shut on May 25, 1940, now remains behind a steel door, not to be opened again for more than 6,000 years. It is said to be the world’s first time capsule, and what they chose to save for future inhabitants to find might surprise you.
The idea for the 20′ x 10′ waterproofed room, was the brainchild of Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, who is actually considered “the father of the modern time capsule”. Jacobs was inspired by the Egyptians and how they preserved much of their artifacts and history in tombs and pyramids. Jacobs was initially floored that the extensive history behind these civilizations were so scarce, and he wanted to do his part in order to preserve everything that we have accomplished up until this point. What Jacobs hoped for was a sort of running narrative of the customs of human life regarding 1930s modern culture.
You may be wondering why Thornton Jacobs chose the date May 28, 8113 to open the sealed vault. He considered the Egyptian Calendar, which was created in the year 4241 BC, and marked the very first recorded date in the history of man. Then he took the year 1936, the year the crypt was initially created. If the door wouldn’t be opened until 8113, then 1936 would be considered as the very exact midpoint in recorded human history.
The basement site for the vault was initially chosen for a few reasons. First, it originally contained a swimming pool, which means that the foundation was built to withstand certain moisture. Second, the subterranean spot was able to be designed and built with solid granite bedrock, which made it incredibly strong and able to withstand most elements. When paired with the fact the cavity was raised and embedded with concrete and porcelain enamel plates, this made for quite an impervious chamber.
I bet you’re wondering what the heck is inside that chamber. As seen in the photos above, taken right before the vault was sealed shut, you can see the type of items Jacobs wanted to be documented in regards to civilization. Along with those items, included quite a bit more, for example authoritative literature, newsreels, film of historical events since 1898, aviation instruments, microfilm, seeds of flowers, important radio speeches, and more. You can find the entire list of the crypt’s inventory over at the official website here.
Thanks to YouTuber, Studies Weekly, you can get more information on this underground marvel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYo0xjkiiPc
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