Produced by: Manoj Kumar
The Djoser Step pyramid in Egypt, built around 2,630 BC, is widely recognized as the oldest. But a study from October claims Indonesia’s Gunung Padang pyramid could date as far back as 25,000 BC, challenging traditional timelines of ancient structures.
Led by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, the study claims Gunung Padang’s core consists of sculpted andesite lava, potentially making it far older than previously believed, with construction dating back to the last glacial period.
The research suggests advanced masonry techniques were present before the advent of agriculture around 11,000 years ago. This discovery could reshape our understanding of early human civilization and its construction abilities.
The findings at Gunung Padang, alongside other sites like Turkey’s Gobekli Tepe, imply that advanced construction existed long before established agricultural societies. Such revelations challenge what we thought we knew about early human technological capabilities.
However, not everyone is convinced. UK archaeologist Flint Dibble from Cardiff University questioned the evidence, stating that the buried layers may not be man-made, but rather the result of natural processes like material rolling down the hill.
Bill Farley, an archaeologist from Southern Connecticut State University, expressed skepticism, pointing out the lack of typical human activity markers—such as charcoal or bone fragments—in the 27,000-year-old soil samples from Gunung Padang.
In response to the criticisms, Natawidjaja invited global researchers to visit Indonesia and conduct their own investigations on Gunung Padang, stressing openness to further studies to validate or disprove the claims.
The journal Archaeological Prospection, where the study was published, has confirmed they are investigating the controversial claims. The editors are closely examining the research and criticisms to ensure academic rigor and accuracy.
Despite the doubts, the study asserts that the builders of Gunung Padang possessed advanced masonry skills, potentially far earlier than previously documented. Whether man-made or natural, the mystery of Gunung Padang has ignited global intrigue.