The controversy of the millennium. The pyramid that could rewrite the history of mankind: The 25,000 -year construction takes science from the comfort zone

A remarkable archaeological discovery in Indonesia threatens to shake our understanding of the beginnings of civilization. The Pyramid Gunung Padang, located on a volcanic hill in the western archipelago, is considered by some researchers to the oldest pyramidal construction on the planet-not dating from the third millennium BC, like the Egyptian ones, but even about 25,000 years old, long before the appearance of agriculture (20 millennia).

This massive structure, with terraces located on the slopes of a hill, draws attention through its unique architecture and by the materials that would have been used, such as solidified (Andezit) lava carved with unusual precision for that period.

If the hypothesis of age and artificial origin will be confirmed, it could rewrite whole chapters in human history, indicating that prehistoric people had advanced construction knowledge much earlier than it was believed.

With all the controversies and scientific skepticism generated by the initial methods and conclusions, the Indonesian state has decided to resume research on Gunung Padang site, emphasizing its importance as a potential proof of an ancient civilization and a key point for understanding the origins of mankind.

Thus, the debates continue, and the Gunung Padang site remains a major point of interest in the research on the beginnings of civilization.

Controversies about advanced masonry skills 25,000 years before agriculture

The hypothesis of the oldest pyramid on the planet was initially mentioned in a Study published in Archaeological Prospectiondriven by geologist Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, from Indonesian Institute of Sciences. According to the authors, the oldest layer of the pyramid would have been a natural hill first, which was later modified by an unknown civilization.

“The study reveals advanced masonry skills, existing since the last glacial period. This discovery It contradicts the conventional idea that the human civilization and the sophisticated construction techniques appeared only after the Agricultural Revolution, about 11,000 years ago ”, the researchers explained.

Moreover, the study was parallel to other enigmatic sites, such as Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, suggesting that people from the pre-agrarian era had already remarkable construction, even if agriculture had not yet been invented.

Archaeological sensation vs. scientific speculation

Although the hypothesis was fascinating, it was not without criticism. Several specialists from the international community have skepticized the conclusions of the study. Among the most vehement critics are the British archaeologist Flint Dibble, from the University of Cardiff, who expressed the surprise that the work was published “In the current form”.

“There is no EVIDENCE Clear that the buried layers of the structure were created by the man’s hand ”, said Dibble for Nature magazine. “It is a forced interpretation of geological data that do not convince an artificial origin. A material that rolls on a hill will be placed, on average, in a certain position”, he explained, adding that the signs did not indicate that the structure would have been “Modeling by the man’s hand”.

Meanwhile, and Bill Farley, archaeologist at Southern Connecticut State University, said that “The 27,000 -year -old soil samples from Gunung Padang, although they were properly dated, have no characteristic signs of human activity, such as coal traces or bone fragments.”

In reply, Natawidjaja said it is shown “Open to researchers around the world who want to come to Indonesia and carry out a research program at Gunung Padang,” While the co-editor of Archaeological Prospection magazine confirmed that an investigation into the published study has been started.

Withdrawal of controversial study and future research at Gunung Padang

Although initially the study on the Pyramid Gunung Padang aroused sensation by proposing a 25,000 -year -old age, the hypothesis was strongly challenged, which led to the article from the Archaeological Prospection magazine. The cause invoked was “Major methodological errors”: The researchers used soil carbonization data that were not associated with human artifacts, thus leading to unconvincing conclusions.

The withdrawal of the study was officially confirmed in March 2024, but the Gunung Padang site remains an important point of archaeological research and continues to fascinate the specialists in search of the origins of civilization.

As a result, in February 2025, the Indonesian Minister of Culture demanded the resumption of research on Gunung Padang site, emphasizing its importance as a potential proof of an ancient civilization.

One site, two narratives

While some researchers appreciate the courage to cause centuries old paradigms, others point out that enthusiasm for “Revolution” History must be tempered by scientific rigor.

Gunung Padang has been in the center of attention and in the past, but the study of 2023 amplified the stake: if the hypothesis is confirmed, the history of human civilization should be rewritten from the foundations. From Pharaonic Egypt to Mesopotamia and Valley of Indus, they would all lose their status “Swing of civilization” in front of a megalithic monument born in the obscurity of the glacial era.

Until then, however, Gunung Padang remains a place of mystery and dispute – between geology and archeology, between speculation and evidence, between legend and history.

In fact, in Indonesia there are several notable structures related to pyramids. The best known is probably the Borobudur Temple, a vast Buddhist temple built in the form of a square pyramid. It is considered the largest such temple in the world, which is why it has become UNESCO site and an important tourist attraction.

In addition, Puncak Jaya (or Mount Carstensz) is the highest mountain in Oceania and is also in Indonesia, in the west of Papua.