Archaeologists recently studied the Gunung Padang area, which consists of exceptional hills with ancient stone structures on the island of West Java, Indonesia, a sacred area to locals who call this type of structure "Bundon Birundak", meaning stepped pyramid, after the terraces that lead to its top.

After surveying the site's surface, which lasted several years, the scientists presented the results of their study in a paper published in the journal "Archaeological Procession", and concluded that "Gunong Padang" is a giant pyramid hidden underground, and that it is much older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Giza, and may rival the oldest rock structures ever built by human hands, and was built over an extinct volcano before the dawn of agriculture or civilization as we know it, and it is possible that its interior hides large open rooms full of unknowns.

The pyramidal structure was built on volcanic remains and on 3 historical stages of construction, the first of which dates back to 25,<> BC (French)

27,<> years ago

According to the report published on Science Alert, a thorough analysis of Gunung Padang — meaning "mountain of enlightenment" in the local language — strongly suggests that an ancient civilization meticulously carved the natural hill of lava into the heart of a pyramid-like structure long ago.

The site's first radiocarbon dating suggests that initial construction began sometime in the last ice age, more than 16,27 years ago, and may date back to <>,<> years ago.

The results of the current study on Gunung Padang came after many years of careful analysis. Between 2011 and 2015, a team of archaeologists, geologists and geophysicists, led by geologist Danny Hillman Natawidgaya of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, used a variety of techniques – such as basic drilling, ground-penetrating radars and subsurface photography – to explore the cultural heritage site.

The team discovered that Gunung Padang was built in complex and sophisticated stages, with the deepest part of it located at a depth of 30 meters.

The importance of the place necessitated human presence throughout history and the modification of its construction more than once (French)

Phased construction

As scientists point out, the core part of the structure may have been built between 25,14 and <>,<> BC, but was then left for several thousand years.

Construction began again between 7900 and 6100 BC, widening the main hill of the pyramid with various rock pillars and gravel soil, with some additional construction work carried out between 6000 and 5500 BC. Interestingly, at this time it seems that the builders deliberately buried or built on top of some ancient parts of the site.

The final architects of the pyramid worked between 2000 and 1100 BC, adding topsoil in addition to the stone terraces characteristic of the Bundin Berundac, the most visible part today.

Due to the long and continuous human presence in Gunung Padang, it can be speculated that this site was of great importance, thus attracting the ancients to occupy and modify it frequently.

The place has hidden cavities and rooms, some up to 15 meters long, with 10-meter ceilings (Getty Images)

Further excavations

When the researchers examined the interior of the ridge using seismic waves, they found evidence of hidden cavities and chambers, some up to 15 meters long, with 10-meter-high ceilings.

The Panel now hopes to delve deeper into these areas. More excavations are needed to understand who these prehistoric people were, and why they built the things they built, so that won't be the last you hear about Gunung Padang.