The archaeological community has been amazed by the discoveries made in Indonesia. Previously, popular wisdom linked the pyramids exclusively to ancient Egypt or the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas. However, a recent excavation has uncovered an underground pyramid in Indonesia. The most notable thing about this discovery is that it is the oldest pyramid in the world known to date.
In this article, we're going to tell you everything you need to know about the oldest pyramid in the world when it was discovered.
Discovery of the oldest pyramid in the world
The discovery of a pyramid on the side of an Indonesian mountain has the potential to become as significant as Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza. This prehistoric structure may even rival the megalithic wonders of thousands of years ago. While archaeologists are just beginning to investigate the site, they are excited by the initial findings and excited to continue their research.
The oldest pyramid in the world is located in Indonesia. At Gunung Padang, an ancient extinct volcano, is a pyramidal structure believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world. This structure was built during a time when civilization, as we know it now, had not yet emerged. The experts suggest that the pyramid dates back to the dawn of agriculture, as reported by Science Alert.
Recent analyzes have suggested that the pyramid may contain important open chambers within its structure. The nature of these cameras is currently unknown and remains a mystery. Regarding the age of this monumental structure, Early radiocarbon dating estimates suggest it was built between 16.000 and 27.000 years ago.
Taking into account the dating and rank of the structure, it is evident that it is the oldest pyramid and megalithic construction known to humanity. Currently, this title is attributed to the enormous Göbekli Tepe complex, located in modern-day Turkey, which dates back 11.000 years. However, upon further verification, Gunung Padang is likely to surpass it as the oldest complex in the world. Through meticulous examination and analysis, initial suspicions will be confirmed.
Expedition of archaeologists and geologists for its discovery
The expedition, led by a team of archaeologists and geologists, has uncovered evidence that the site was built through a series of intricate and sophisticated stages. The deepest part of the structure reaches an impressive depth of 30 meters. Through study of the site, it has been determined that this particular portion is the oldest, since it was built between 25.000 and 14.000 BC
The prehistoric structures at Gunung Padang have revolutionized previous understanding of the site. After analyzing the remains, researchers are now trying to shed more light on the people who built this place several millennia ago. The investment of time and resources is expected to produce more accurate and detailed results about the site in the future.
For centuries, the region's tropical climate has been defined by periods of heavy rainfall, the proliferation of dense vegetation and the sedimentation of the terrain. As a result, A number of historical and cultural artifacts have been buried underground and remained hidden to this day.
With the help of modern technology and increased knowledge about comparable structures, it has become feasible to collect a wealth of new data about the intricate buildings of Gunung Padang. This information can potentially uncover the origins of these structures that were built by early civilizations during the Paleolithic era.
The lighting can be seen as a lofty peak that many strive to reach. This metaphorical mountain of enlightenment represents the state of understanding and knowledge one seeks to obtain. It is the pinnacle of personal growth and development.
Gunung Padang is an Indonesian term that translates to “mountain of enlightenment” in English. The name is attributed to the numerous communities that have inhabited the area throughout history and have used the mountain as a place to practice religious ceremonies.
Multiple studies and discoveries have been made in the area dating back to the 1890s. However, it was not until 1979 that the government began to focus on exploring what was previously only recognized as an ancient cemetery.
The National Archaeological Institute began his restoration efforts at the site in the 1980s, driven by the new focus and interest in the area. Their efforts led them to discover the megalithic structures that form the stepped stone terraces, also known as punden berundak. Although these structures had been observed previously, their sheer size exceeded expectations.
Through archaeological investigations during that period, it was established that Gunung Padang was a prehistoric site. This site is surrounded by other megalithic sites that share the same qualities, located in a volcanic region with rocks dating from the Pliocene.
What information have the results of the archaeological study revealed?
It is not always necessary to unearth buried structures to study them, since there are currently a multitude of techniques and technologies available to extract information about intangible objects. An example of this is the use of ultrasound, which allows us to capture images of the inside of the human body.
The study in question has used a comprehensive and interconnected approach, incorporating various methods including depth mapping, geological and archaeological observations, surface geophysical analyses, trenching and core drilling. This is well documented by the professionals who conducted the study.
The experts' findings suggest that Gunung Padang contains a central core of lava that has been shaped and encased by a series of underground structures, which include chambers and cavities. This indicates that the mountain was not formed by natural processes, but is the result of an underground pyramid-shaped construction.
After using carbon dating, researchers have concluded that the construction of Gunung Padang occurred during the last glacial period of the Paleolithic. In addition, it underwent modifications both during the Holocene and during the Neolithic. This information reveals Gunung Padang as candidate for world's oldest pyramid, showcasing the exceptional construction and design capabilities of ancient civilizations.
I hope this information helps you learn more about the world's oldest pyramid and its discovery.