A new study claiming the oldest human-made pyramid has been found in Indonesia has stunned the archaeological community. The study, published in the journal Archaeological Prospection, suggests that the pyramid beneath the prehistoric Gunung Padang site in West Java dates back 27,000 years, according to the journal Nature. Gunung Padang roughly translates to “Mountain of Enlightenment”.It is 22 thousand years older than the Egyptian pyramids!
Currently, the Djoser pyramid in Egypt is recorded as the oldest known pyramid in the world, with a history of 4,700 years. Gunung Padang is therefore 22,300 years older than the oldest known pyramid. The research article emphasizes that Gunung Padang is not a natural hill but a pyramid-like structure. It is stated that the core of the pyramid is surrounded by layers of rock structure and consists of meticulously shaped massive andesite lava. Carbon dating analysis indicates that the multi-layered structure spread over successive periods.However, this claim is not liked by archaeologists.
The study also claims the existence of “secret cavities or chambers” at the site, implying that he was deliberately buried multiple times, “possibly to conceal his true identity for preservation purposes.” The study, carried out by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), used seismic tomography techniques to image the Earth’s subsurface to find these hidden structures.
Experts are skeptical
The researchers used this ground-penetrating technology to identify four construction layers, each representing different stages of the construction period. Reportedly, carbon dating of soil from the site reveals that the first layer was formed between 27,000 and 16,000 years ago. Carbon content in the soil is analyzed to estimate the approximate age of materials associated with each layer, providing insights into the chronological development of the site over time.“These findings provide valuable insight into the construction history of Gunung Padang and shed light on the engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations during the Paleolithic period,” the authors write in the article. However, experts oppose the idea that the structure could have such an ancient origin and suggest that people may not have been capable of building it. In response to these concerns, the journal launched an investigation into the study. If Gunung Padang is indeed 27,000 years old, it could be a shocking change in our view of history.
