A mountain in Indonesia has been holding pyramid-like structure within it all this while, say researchers. According to researcher Andang Bachtiar, Mount Padang in West Java has secrets beneath it. Atop the hill lies remnants of rocky structures and monuments which is considered an archaeological wonder. Gunung Padang Megalithic Site is the largest megalithic site in all of Southeastern Asia.

A research which has been termed controversial that was presented at AGU 2018 Fall Meeting in Washington, DC last week by a team of Indonesian scientists put forward data to support that Gunung Padang is the site of the world's oldest known pyramid-like structure. The abstract for their new poster reads, "Our studies prove that the structure does not cover just the top but also wrap around the slopes covering about 15 hectares area at least." Egypt Discovers 4,400-Year-Old Tomb of Ancient High Priest Wahtye (See Pictures)

Gunung Padang Site (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

The researchers believe that Gunung Padang is actually a layered series of ancient structures that date back to 10,000 years or even older. They said that Gunung Padang is not just an artificial structure, but a series of several layers built over different prehistoric periods. With the help of ground penetration radar (GPR), seismic tomography, and archaeological excavations the researchers claim to have found out that it consists of megalithic layers made up of rock columns, walls, paths, and spaces. This foundation sits which is 3,500 years above a second layer which is 1-3 metres below the surface that goes back to 8,000 years. Egypt Live Telecasts Unveiling of 3,000-Year-Old Mummy in Luxor's Ancient Tomb.

Gunung Padang Site (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

They said that earlier researchers misinterpreted it as a natural rock formation. There is also a third layer of arranged rocks which goes upto 15 metres deep and is between 9,500 to 28,000 years old. A fourth layer is made of basalt rock. Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, lead project researcher and a senior scientist with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences told Live Science the ancient pyramid could have had a religious basis. 2100-Year Old Egyptian Mummy Thought to be a 'Hawk' is Actually a Stillborn Baby.

If the claims of the researchers are found out to be right then it could change how pre-historic times were perceived. Natawidjaja said the locals still use the top of the structure as a sacred destination for prayer and meditation which could also be how it was used thousands of years ago. The research has been subject to much controversy and criticisms by in Indonesia by other researchers. However, people involved in the research believe it to be the world's most ancient and mysterious structures.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2018 10:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).