While the Djoser Step Pyramid in Egypt, built around 2,630 BC, is officially recognized as the world’s oldest pyramid, new research suggests that the Gunung Padang pyramid in Indonesia might date back as far as 25,000 BC. This claim has sparked debate among archaeologists.
‘World’s oldest pyramid’ built 25,000 years ago was not made by humans, archaeologists claim #NewsBreak https://t.co/0lh41AVkT1
— Joseph Chase (@Stairfinder) August 5, 2024
Led by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, the study, published in the journal Archaeological Prospection, asserts that a layer of the Gunung Padang pyramid was constructed in ancient times. The researchers state that the pyramid’s core consists of meticulously sculpted andesite lava and that the oldest construction likely began as a natural lava hill, which was later sculpted and architecturally enveloped.
The paper argues that this discovery highlights advanced masonry skills dating back to the last glacial period. This finding challenges the widely accepted belief that human civilization and the development of advanced construction techniques only emerged with the advent of agriculture around 11,000 years ago.
“Evidence from Gunung Padang and other sites, such as Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, suggests that advanced construction practices were already present when agriculture had, perhaps, not yet been invented,” the researchers wrote.
The academics claim that the builders of Gunung Padang must have possessed remarkable masonry capabilities. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism. Flint Dibble, an archaeologist from Cardiff University, criticized the paper, expressing surprise that it was published without more substantial evidence. Dibble argues that there is no clear evidence to suggest the buried layers were built by humans, noting that materials rolling down a hill could naturally orient themselves and there is no sign of working or human craftsmanship.
Bill Farley, an archaeologist at Southern Connecticut State University, pointed out that while the 27,000-year-old soil samples from Gunung Padang are accurately dated, they lack hallmarks of human activity, such as charcoal or bone fragments.
In response to the criticism, Natawidjaja has expressed openness to further research: “We are really open to researchers around the world who would like to come to Indonesia and do some research program on Gunung Padang.” Meanwhile, the co-editor of Archaeological Prospection has confirmed that an investigation into the paper is underway.
Egypt’s oldest pyramid was constructed using hydraulic lifts nearly 5,000 years agohttps://t.co/SXohlnwSUj
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Key Points:
i. Oldest Pyramid Claim: A recent paper suggests the Gunung Padang pyramid in Indonesia may date back to 25,000 BC, predating Egypt’s Djoser Step pyramid by millennia.
ii. Research Findings: Led by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, the study posits that the pyramid’s core is sculpted andesite lava, indicating advanced masonry skills from the last glacial period.
iii. Civilization Implications: This discovery challenges the belief that advanced construction techniques only emerged with agriculture around 11,000 years ago, suggesting such skills existed much earlier.
iv. Skeptical Views: UK archaeologist Flint Dibble disputes the findings, arguing there’s no clear evidence the layers were built by humans. Similarly, Bill Farley notes the absence of human activity markers in soil samples.
v. Open for Verification: Natawidjaja invites global researchers to study Gunung Padang, while the journal Archaeological Prospection is investigating the paper’s claims.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
