Archaeologists Say Indonesia's Ancient Structure Could Be World's Oldest Pyramid Built by Human Hands

A team of researchers in Indonesia has uncovered compelling evidence supporting Gunung Padang as the world's oldest known pyramid.

Situated atop an extinct volcano in West Java, Indonesia, Phys.org reported that Gunung Padang has long been a subject of debate over its origin - whether it was predominantly a natural formation with human modifications or primarily a man-made structure. The site was designated a cultural heritage site in 1998.

Gunung Padang in Indonesia Crafted by Human Hands

Between 2011 and 2015, the research team, composed of archaeologists, geologists, geophysicists, and paleontologists from multiple institutions in Indonesia, conducted an extensive scientific examination, employing seismic tomography, electrical resistivity tomography, and ground-penetrating radar.

Additionally, core samples were obtained through drilling, enabling the use of radiocarbon dating techniques to ascertain the ages of various layers within the structure.

The comprehensive analysis led the researchers to affirm that human hands predominantly crafted Gunung Padang. They further uncovered evidence indicating that the construction occurred in distinct phases spanning thousands of years.

The oldest segments, constructed between 25,000 and 14,000 years ago, establish it as the oldest recognized pyramid globally. The structure's evolution involved successive human endeavors.

Initially, humans adorned the summit of a dormant volcano with sculpted lava. Subsequently, between 7900 and 6100 BCE, humans added a layer of bricks and rock columns.

At an undetermined later date, they concealed some of the earlier work with a layer of soil. Between 2000 and 1100 BCE, they further enhanced it by incorporating stone terracing.

The research team has uncovered indications of potential hollow spaces within the structure, suggesting the presence of hidden chambers. They plan to carry out drilling operations to explore these areas and utilize cameras to document their contents.

Gunung Padang Is the Oldest Pyramid in the World

Radiocarbon dating of organic soils within the structure unveiled multiple construction phases dating back several thousand years ago.

The initial phase harks back to the Palaeolithic era, providing valuable insights into the construction chronology of Gunung Padang and offering a glimpse into the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations during this era.

The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of ancient architectural and engineering capabilities, shedding light on the sophisticated societies that existed millennia ago.

"Gunung Padang stands as a remarkable testament, potentially being the oldest pyramid in the world. Further investigation and interdisciplinary research will uncover its hidden secrets and shed more light on the ancient civilizations that thrived in this enigmatic site," the study's authors conclude.

The findings of the team were published in the journal Archaeological Prospection.