Gunung Padang in Indonesia Confirmed as World’s Oldest Pyramid, Study Reveals
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers in Indonesia has found compelling evidence supporting Gunung Padang as the oldest known pyramid in the world. The site, located on top of an extinct volcano in West Java, has long been a subject of debate over its origin. While some believed it to be a natural formation with human modifications, others argued that it was primarily a man-made structure. The recent findings provide strong evidence that Gunung Padang was predominantly crafted human hands.
Between 2011 and 2015, a diverse team of archaeologists, geologists, geophysicists, and paleontologists conducted an extensive scientific examination of Gunung Padang. They used various techniques, including seismic tomography, electrical resistivity tomography, ground-penetrating radar, and radiocarbon dating, to analyze the structure. The comprehensive analysis revealed that Gunung Padang was built in distinct phases over thousands of years.
The oldest segments of Gunung Padang, constructed between 25,000 and 14,000 years ago, establish it as the oldest recognized pyramid globally. The researchers discovered that humans initially adorned the summit of the volcano with sculpted lava. Later, between 7900 and 6100 BCE, they added a layer of bricks and rock columns. Subsequently, an unknown date saw the concealment of some earlier work with a layer of soil. Finally, between 2000 and 1100 BCE, the structure was further enhanced the incorporation of stone terracing.
Interestingly, the researchers also uncovered indications of potential hollow spaces within the structure, suggesting the presence of hidden chambers. To explore these areas, the team plans to conduct drilling operations and use cameras to document their contents. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient architectural and engineering capabilities, shedding light on the sophisticated societies that existed thousands of years ago.
The research team’s remarkable findings have been published in the journal Archaeological Prospection. They conclude that Gunung Padang stands as a remarkable testament to ancient civilizations and further investigation will uncover its hidden secrets. The study opens up new avenues of research and paves the way for interdisciplinary studies to reveal more about the intriguing ancient civilizations that thrived at this enigmatic site.
This discovery marks a significant milestone in the field of archaeology, attracting attention from enthusiasts and experts alike. Gunung Padang’s recognition as the world’s oldest known pyramid catapults it into the spotlight as a must-visit archaeological site. As further research is conducted and more secrets are unveiled, Gunung Padang will continue to captivate the curiosity of historians, archaeologists, and travelers from around the world.