In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Jack the Ripper, followed by The Voynich manuscript and The disappearance of flight MH370.
The greatest unsolved mysteries in history fascinate us because, despite science and investigation, they still have no definitive answer. This list includes only real, documented cases, with no legends or baseless theories.
Which one do you find most unsettling? Vote below or add the one we missed.
Thanks. You voted for . Your vote counts.
We'll publish the readers' ranking once there are enough votes for it to be representative.
1. Jack the Ripper
London, 1888
He murdered at least five women in the Whitechapel district and was never identified with certainty. Dozens of suspects have been proposed, but no theory convinces everyone.
2. The Voynich manuscript
Dated to the 15th century
An illustrated book written in a language or code that no one has managed to decipher. Neither linguists nor cryptographers have been able to read a single sentence with certainty.
3. The disappearance of flight MH370
8 March 2014
A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 vanished with 239 people on board between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. Debris has been found, but not the plane or the cause.
4. The disappearance of Amelia Earhart
1937 · Pacific Ocean
The most famous aviator of her time disappeared while attempting to fly around the world. Her fate remains one of aviation's great enigmas.
5. The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Present-day North Carolina · 1587–1590
More than a hundred English settlers vanished without a trace. All that remained was the word 'CROATOAN' carved into a post.
6. The Zodiac Killer
California, late 1960s
He sent coded letters to the press and was never officially identified. One of his ciphers wasn't cracked until 2020.
7. The Dyatlov Pass incident
Ural Mountains, February 1959
Nine hikers died in strange circumstances after leaving their tent in the middle of the night. In 2020 Russian prosecutors concluded it was an avalanche, but not everyone is convinced.
8. The Mary Celeste
Atlantic Ocean, 1872
The ship was found adrift, in good condition and with no one on board. What happened to its crew remains a mystery.
9. D. B. Cooper
United States, November 1971
He hijacked a plane, collected a ransom and parachuted out into the night. No one ever found out who he was or what became of him.
10. Why Stonehenge was built
England · About 5,000 years ago
We know when it was raised and that it aligns with the solstices, but not for certain what it was for. Temple, calendar or burial site: the debate is still open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the greatest unsolved mystery in history?
In our ranking, the identity of Jack the Ripper, for its notoriety and more than a century of investigation without an answer. The Voynich manuscript and MH370 complete the podium.
Why aren't the Bermuda Triangle or Atlantis on the list?
Because they aren't documented mysteries: the Triangle doesn't have more accidents than expected, and Atlantis is a story told by Plato.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.