Geo-archaeological prospecting of Gunung Padang buried prehistoric pyramid in West Java, Indonesia: Geo-archaeological prospecting of Gunung Padang buried prehistoric pyramid in West Java, Indonesia

Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, Andang Bachtiar, Bagus Endar B. Nurhandoko, Ali Akbar, Pon Purajatnika, Mudrik R. Daryono, Dadan D. Wardhana, Andri S. Subandriyo, Andi Krisyunianto, Tagyuddin, Budianto Ontowiryo, Yusuf Maulana

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The multidisciplinary study of Gunung Padang has revealed compelling evidence of a complex and sophisticated megalithic site. Correlations between rock stratifications observed through surface exposures, trenching and core logs, combined with GPR facies, ERT layers, and seismic tomograms, demonstrate the presence of multi-layer constructions spanning approximately 20–30 m. Notably, a high-resistive anomaly in electric resistivity tomography aligns with a low-velocity anomaly detected in seismic tomography, indicating the existence of hidden cavities or chambers within the site. Additionally, drilling operations revealed significant water loss, further supporting the presence of underground spaces. Radiocarbon dating of organic soils from the structures uncovered multiple construction stages dating back thousands of years BCE, with the initial phase dating to the Palaeolithic era. These findings offer valuable insights into the construction history of Gunung Padang, shedding light on the engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations during the Palaeolithic era.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)O1-025
JournalArchaeological Prospection
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • core drilling
  • geophysical prospecting
  • megalith
  • pre-history
  • pyramid

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