The world of archaeology has been shaken by a groundbreaking revelation beneath the Gunung Padang pyramid in Indonesia, believed to potentially date back to 25,000 BC. This discovery challenges the long-standing belief that the Djoser Step Pyramid in Egypt, constructed around 2,630 BC, held the title as the oldest pyramid known to man.

Conducted by Danny Hilman Natawidjaja from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, a recent study has unveiled astounding evidence suggesting that the core of Gunung Padang is crafted from shaped andesite lava. This finding implies that the pyramid could have been erected much earlier than previously assumed, possibly during the last ice age. Such a proposition indicates the existence of advanced construction techniques prior to the onset of agriculture some 11,000 years ago, reshaping our understanding of early human civilizations and their architectural prowess.

The implications extend beyond Gunung Padang, resonating with other ancient sites like Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, which also attest to sophisticated building practices far predating the agricultural revolution. These revelations challenge conventional perceptions of early human technological capabilities.

While the study has garnered widespread attention, skepticism looms among some experts. UK archaeologist Flint Dibble from Cardiff University, for instance, has raised doubts regarding the evidence, suggesting that the discovered layers may not be man-made but rather the result of natural processes. Similarly, archaeologist Bill Farley from Southern Connecticut State University has expressed reservations, citing the absence of conventional indicators of human activity, such as charcoal or bones, in the soil samples dated back to 27,000 years at Gunung Padang.

In response to these critiques, Natawidjaja has extended an invitation to researchers worldwide to personally explore Gunung Padang, underscoring the need for further investigations to validate or debunk the assertions made. The journal Archaeological Prospection, which published the contentious study, is diligently scrutinizing the research and criticisms to ensure their accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Despite the ongoing skepticism, the study posits that the builders of Gunung Padang possessed advanced masonry skills far earlier than previously imagined. Whether the structure was man-made or naturally formed, the enigma of Gunung Padang has captivated the global audience, igniting a fervor of curiosity and scholarly inquiry.