Evidences of Large pyramid-like structure predating 10,000 Year BP at
Mount Padang, West Java, Indonesia: Applications of
geological-geophysical methods to explore buried large archeological
site
Abstract
Mount Padang archeological site has been known since late nineteen
century as a megalithic complex that sits on top. Our studies proves
that the structure does not cover just the top but also wrap around the
slopes covering about 15 ha area at least. Comprehensive geophysical
surveys combining ground penetration radar (GPR) and multi-channel
resistivity methods, seismic tomography augmented by bore-holes coring
data and archeological excavations, show further that the structures are
not only superficial but rooted into greater depth. The structures are
not built at once but consisting several layers from consecutive
periods. The uppermost layer on the surface consists of horizontal piles
of basaltic columnar rocks forming step-structure terraces and decorated
by exotic arrangements of stand-up rock columns forming walls, paths and
spaces. The second layer, which had been previously misinterpreted as
natural rock formation, buried 1-3 meters beneath the ground surface, is
a several-meter thick fills consisting of more compact and advance
arrangement of similar columnar rocks in fine-grain matrix. The third
layer is also artificial arrangement of rock fragments with various
kinds that extent down to about 15 meter deep. The third layer sits on
fractured, massive basaltic lava tongue. The survey also reveals
evidences of large underground cavities or chambers. Results of
preliminary radiocarbon dating indicates that the first layer was built
around Cal BP 3,000. The second layer was built around about Cal BP
7,000. The third layer was built prior to Cal.BP. 9,500, and could be as
old as Cal.BP.13,000 to 28,000 years old.