Controversy Over Ancient Indonesian Pyramid Age

A recent study has sparked debate over the origins of the Gunung Padang pyramid in Indonesia, which some researchers claim may date back to 25,000 BC. This assertion challenges the long-held belief that the Djoser Step pyramid in Egypt, constructed around 2,630 BC, is the oldest known pyramid. The research, led by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, suggests that the pyramid's core is made of sculpted andesite lava, potentially indicating advanced masonry skills during the last glacial period. The findings propose that sophisticated construction techniques existed long before the advent of agriculture, which is traditionally thought to have spurred the development of such skills around 11,000 years ago. The study draws parallels with other ancient sites, like Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, suggesting that advanced building practices were already in place. However, skepticism surrounds these claims, with some archaeologists questioning the evidence for human involvement in the pyramid's construction. Critics, including UK archaeologist Flint Dibble, argue that the geological features of Gunung Padang do not provide clear evidence of human craftsmanship. They point out that natural processes could account for the observed formations, and soil samples from the site lack indicators of human activity. In response to the criticism, Natawidjaja has invited further research into the site, while the journal Archaeological Prospection has initiated an investigation into the study's claims.