World War I introduced a number of technological advances to the world, in an attempt to consistently one-up the enemy and maintain the upper hand on the field of battle.
Some of these ideas, like pigeon spies and mattress flotation devices, haven't lasted until today. However, armored tanks, used on a larger scale during WWI, are still utilized by the military now.
Many specific tanks were left behind over the years during and immediately following war. After being rendered immobile or deemed obsolete as a result of bigger and better machines being rolled out of factories, these "leftover" tanks were abandoned by the men who fought from within them.
Over time, nature has taken over many of these destructive vehicles, claiming the broken down hunks of metal and gears for itself.
Scroll through below to see these incredible images that prove just how powerful nature can be, even against man-made machines of war.
[H/T: BoredPanda]
This Japanese-made tank was left abandoned in a field in Shimsu, Russia. Over the years, beautiful white flowers have grown up between the tire treads.
Left behind during the Korean War, this American-made armored vehicle has started to rust and deteriorate. The red and green of the tank nearly blends in with the orange, yellow, and pink of the flowers.
After being abandoned on a beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico, algae has begun to cover the side of this rusted tank.
This American tank was left submerged off the coast of Saipan after WWII. Covered in algae and frozen in time, the tank still points at what once was Japanese gunmen on the beach.
After being abandoned for years, this American tank has a new "driver." A tree has taken root and grown straight through the middle of the tank.
This picturesque shoreline is disrupted by a giant hunk of metal. Abandoned on Playa Flamenco in Puerto Rico, this tank has been covered with colorful graffiti.
These abandoned tanks are located near an old research facility, rotting away in the snow — in Antarctica!
After U.S. bombing sunk a Japanese fleet off the coast of what is now Micronesia, tons of military equipment sunk to the bottom of Chuuk Lagoon. This tank has been taken over and covered by coral.
On the Japanese island of Shikotan, this Soviet tank is all that is left of a former military outpost. This tank looks out over the village of Krabozavodske.
At Fort Knox in Kentucky, these tanks were used as target practice. Now, they've been taken over by plant life, and they are rusting away by the road.
A number of tanks can be found in Culebra, Puerto Rico. The area was once used as a base for U.S. Marine training.
This recovery vehicle was abandoned in Britain and lost its turret. It was replaced by beautiful, yellow wildflowers.
After the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan, they left a number of tanks behind. This rusting tank blends in with the colors of the mountain behind it.
This tank was also abandoned by the Soviets in Afghanistan. Reportedly, it sits outside of the tomb of an Afghan leader, Massoud.
These combat vehicles were left in the middle of a forest in Europe. The forest had once been a tank firing range.
This Soviet tank looks quite dark against the gorgeous white sand of this beach in Yemen.
Each of these abandoned tanks is more beautiful than the last, as they are slowly being overtaken by the surrounding nature.
What do you think of these incredible photos of nature reclaiming war machines? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with friends and family!
