A top secret Nazi military base has been discovered in the Arctic by Russian scientists, over 70 years after it was abandoned.
The site, which lies on the island of Alexandra Land, was constructed back in 1942- a year after Adolf Hitler invaded Russia.
Ruptly/YouTubeCode-named ‘Schatzgraber’ or ‘Treasure Hunter’ by the Germans, it was mostly used as a tactical weather station.
The island proved to be absolutely vital during the Second World War, as their meteorological reports were pivotal for planning the movement of soldiers, ships and submarines.
Ruptly/YouTubeHowever, its crew of scientists only managed to stay there for two years- as they all became infected with roundworms after eating raw polar bear meat. Survivors were rescued by a German U-boat and the base abandoned.
But now, 72 years later, more than 500 objects of historical significance have been found on the site- including a batch of documents, which have been well preserved by the cold weather, the Daily Mail reports.
Ruptly/YouTubeThey found ruins of bunkers, rusted bullets and other historical relics dating from the Second World War.
Apparently the island also proved significant during the Cold War, as American and Russia battled for control of the Arctic- once its mineral wealth became clear.
Since then, there was no fixed presence on the island right up until 1990, after the fall of the Soviet Union.
A fascinating insight into a moment literally frozen in time.
