Indonesian pyramid could rewrite history with 25,000-year-old findings

In its article, Lagrada features that recent archaeological findings are shaking up understanding of ancient civilizations and their technological capabilities. 

A recent archaeological investigation is challenging long-held beliefs about ancient civilizations, suggesting that advanced building techniques may have existed thousands of years earlier than previously thought. According to new research, the world's oldest pyramid might not have been built by humans. The scientific community is now calling for further studies to assess the plausibility of this theory, prompting a reevaluation of historical assumptions and a closer look at the mysteries of our distant past.

The discovery that the origins of a structure in Gunung Padang, Indonesia, date back 25,000 years could significantly deepen our understanding of pre-agricultural societies and their technological achievements. While the step pyramid of Djoser in Egypt, built in 2630 B.C., is currently recognized as the oldest pyramid, the recent study of Gunung Padang challenges this notion. The research reveals that one of the deepest layers of the site is estimated to be 25,000 years old, prompting questions about the architectural capabilities of ancient civilizations.

This discovery has captured the attention of the scientific community and sparked worldwide debates. While some archaeologists view the Gunung Padang pyramid as an example of advanced architecture that challenges the traditional view of civilization’s progression, others remain skeptical about the validity of these findings. The study, led by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja from the Indonesian Institute of Science, suggests that the core of Gunung Padang consists of carefully sculpted andesite lava.

Experts believe that the structure began as a natural lava hill and later developed into a massive monument. Even more remarkably, scientists propose that the building methods used at Gunung Padang may date back to the last glacial period, well before the advent of agriculture around 11,000 years ago. This points to the possibility that ancient civilizations possessed architectural knowledge far more advanced than previously assumed. The study, published in Archaeological Prospection, argues that sites like Gunung Padang and Göbekli Tepe in Turkey demonstrate that pre-agricultural societies had capabilities often overlooked in historical analysis.

While Natawidjaja and his team stand by their findings, the claims have drawn criticism. Archaeologist Flint Dibble from Cardiff University argues that there is insufficient evidence to suggest human intervention at Gunung Padang’s buried layers, proposing that the patterns could have naturally formed. Additionally, Bill Farley from Southern Connecticut State University points out that the soil samples taken from the site, while accurately dated, do not contain clear evidence of human activity, such as charcoal or skeletal remains.

The scientific community has called for further independent studies to either confirm or challenge the initial findings. In response to the criticism, Danny Hilman Natawidjaja has invited international experts to participate in the investigation of the Gunung Padang pyramid, emphasizing the importance of open scientific discourse and the need for additional research to validate the results. The co-editor of Archaeological Prospection also confirmed that ongoing research is being conducted on the site, highlighting the broad interest in this discovery.

If the findings about the Gunung Padang pyramid are confirmed, it could significantly alter our understanding of ancient civilizations and their capabilities. However, the debate over whether this structure is a human-made creation or a natural phenomenon will likely persist within the scientific community until more comprehensive research is conducted. The possibility that advanced building techniques were in use 25,000 years ago challenges our assumptions about ancient societies and invites us to reconsider the many mysteries that remain hidden beneath the surface of our planet.

By Naila Huseynova