Gunung Padang, located in the western part of Java, Indonesia, has been shrouded in mystery and controversy for years. It is an ancient megalithic site that has sparked the curiosity of historians and archaeologists alike. In the National Geographic documentary series, "Ancient Apocalypse," Gunung Padang was featured as one of the most fascinating ancient structures in the world.
The Gunung Padang site was discovered in the early 20th century, but it wasn't until the 2010s that extensive research was conducted on the site. The site consists of several terraces made of large stone blocks, arranged in a stepped pyramid shape. The structure rises about 100 meters above the surrounding landscape and covers an area of more than 3 hectares.
The pyramid structure of Gunung Padang is believed to have been constructed in several phases over a period of thousands of years. The lower layers of the structure are estimated to be around 5,000 years old ( some sources says 9,500 to 28,000 years old ), while the upper layers are believed to date back to around 500 BCE. The megalithic stones used to build the structure are believed to have been brought from a quarry located several kilometers away from the site.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gunung Padang is its alignment with the cardinal points. The structure is aligned with the North, South, East, and West, with an accuracy of less than one degree. This alignment is believed to be intentional and could have been used for astronomical observations or as a calendar.
The site has also been the subject of controversy due to claims by some researchers that it is a pyramid built by an ancient civilization, possibly the lost city of Atlantis. However, these claims have been widely dismissed by the archaeological community as lacking evidence.
Despite the controversy, Gunung Padang remains an important site for understanding the ancient history of Indonesia and the region. It is a testament to the skills and knowledge of the ancient builders who constructed it, and it continues to spark curiosity and fascination in researchers and visitors alike.
In conclusion, Gunung Padang is a fascinating ancient structure that has captivated the attention of archaeologists, historians, and the general public. Its stepped pyramid structure, alignment with the cardinal points, and its age make it a unique and important site for understanding the ancient history of Indonesia and the region. While controversy surrounds some of the claims made about Gunung Padang, it remains a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient civilizations and an inspiration for further research and exploration.