Causeway that leads to the top of the Bosnian pyramid of the Sun is paved by the sandstone plates; pyramid is built from entirely different materials (concrete conglomerate blocks). Aerial photo shows corners between West and North, and North and East. Top of the Pyramid is flat like pyramids in China, Mexico or Egypt.
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From the TOP of the Great Pyramid: Illicit photos taken by tourists who secretly climbed wonder of the world at night
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Radiocarbon Dating in Underground Tunnels Beneath the Pyramidal Complex
There is a network of underground tunnels under the pyramidal complex in Visoko at a depth of between 5 - 25 meters. On average, the height of the tunnels are 3 meters and the width of the tunnels are 2.5 meters. It is a labyrinth made of passages and chambers spreading across several kilometers.
The distance from the tunnel entrance to the Pyramid of the Sun is approximately 3 km. The process of debris cleanup and wall support is in progress and will likely last several years until the Pyramid of the Sun is reached. The workers and volunteers have secured, cleaned and lit up about 600 meters of the underground tunnel network, and visitors are now able to enter and explore the tunnels at will. An additional 400 meters of tunnel leading towards the Pyramid of the Sun is clear and being secured.
The air circulation in the tunnels is extremely good because of the difference in ceiling height throughout the tunnel network; these hight variations cause differences in air pressure and natural ventilation.
The slope in the tunnels is 1.5 degrees, which enables proper water drainage.
Samples of two types of mineral dripstones, stalactites and stalagmites, were found in the underground tunnels and were sent to leading european laboratories for radiocarbon dating and analysis. The Radiocarbon Laboratories of Universities of Uppsala in Sweden, University of Kiel in Germany and the University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland estimated the age of the stalagmites to be more than 5,000 years old. The estimated age of the stalactite sample showed an age of 3,500 + years.
In conclusion, it is estimated that the builders of the underground tunnels are older than 5,000 years.
This means that the underground tunnel complex in Visoko exceeds the age of known great cultures on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Ancient Rome ruled the region 2,000 years ago and Ancient Greece ruled approximately 2,500 years ago.
Who built these colossal structures and more importantly, why did they build them? Are the builders of the underground tunnels the same people who built the pyramids?
Several cultures of the past have used these underground tunnels. Remnants of a fireplace were found near the tunnel entrance, and samples of organic material that was sent to Sweden and Poland for radiocarbon analysis displayed an age of 3,000+ years.
At some point in time, some of the side tunnels and chambers spawning from the main tunnel had been closed with rocks, pebbles, sand and clay and sealed with drywall. The radiocarbon analysis of the material used for closing the chambers is younger than the tunnels are estimated to be. Opening of the chambers and side tunnels as well as cleanup of the material used for sealing is currently in progress.
In a related research, experts from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federal Institute of Agropedology analyzed the soil that covers the outer walls of the pyramids; findings concluded that the Pyramids have been covered for more than 12,000 years. Interestingly, this coincides with the end of the last ice age on earth. This topic will be expanded upon shortly in future articles.
The air circulation in the tunnels is extremely good because of the difference in ceiling height throughout the tunnel network; these hight variations cause differences in air pressure and natural ventilation.
The slope in the tunnels is 1.5 degrees, which enables proper water drainage.
Samples of two types of mineral dripstones, stalactites and stalagmites, were found in the underground tunnels and were sent to leading european laboratories for radiocarbon dating and analysis. The Radiocarbon Laboratories of Universities of Uppsala in Sweden, University of Kiel in Germany and the University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland estimated the age of the stalagmites to be more than 5,000 years old. The estimated age of the stalactite sample showed an age of 3,500 + years.
In conclusion, it is estimated that the builders of the underground tunnels are older than 5,000 years.
This means that the underground tunnel complex in Visoko exceeds the age of known great cultures on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Ancient Rome ruled the region 2,000 years ago and Ancient Greece ruled approximately 2,500 years ago.
Who built these colossal structures and more importantly, why did they build them? Are the builders of the underground tunnels the same people who built the pyramids?
Several cultures of the past have used these underground tunnels. Remnants of a fireplace were found near the tunnel entrance, and samples of organic material that was sent to Sweden and Poland for radiocarbon analysis displayed an age of 3,000+ years.
At some point in time, some of the side tunnels and chambers spawning from the main tunnel had been closed with rocks, pebbles, sand and clay and sealed with drywall. The radiocarbon analysis of the material used for closing the chambers is younger than the tunnels are estimated to be. Opening of the chambers and side tunnels as well as cleanup of the material used for sealing is currently in progress.
In a related research, experts from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federal Institute of Agropedology analyzed the soil that covers the outer walls of the pyramids; findings concluded that the Pyramids have been covered for more than 12,000 years. Interestingly, this coincides with the end of the last ice age on earth. This topic will be expanded upon shortly in future articles.
The Russians managed to escape the attention of security guards at the ancient site, allowing photographer Vitaliy Raskalov to snap pictures of the surrounding desert and the majestic Sphinx from the top of the 455ft structure.
Vista: The Russians claim to have arrived early at the famous site on the outskirts of Cairo, where they waited in the shadows until official visitor opening hours were over to make their climb
Officials in Egypt put a stop to people attempting to climb the pyramids in the 1980s, but it thought some guides will still take tourists part of the way up the structures in exchange for bribes.The group of Russians claim to have arrived at the complex early and waited in the shadows before starting their climb as night began to fall, according to a report on the English Russian.
Geometric Alignments - Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids
When it comes to pyramids around the world, geometric alignment is something they all have in common.
It is no different in the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids.
It is no different in the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids.
Beginning with basics, the tips of 3 largest pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun, Moon and Dragon, form an equilateral triangle. Each side of the triangle measures approx 2,170m (with the margin of error being less than 2%) and the inside angles of the triangle each measure 60 degrees.
Please see the map below provided by the Cadastral Office of Municipality of Visoko.
The measurements made by the Geodetic Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina show that the sides of each pyramid are aligned with the earth’s cardinal points (North, South East and West). This is characteristic is shared with pyramids found in Egypt, China, Peru and Guatemala.
The Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun is oriented towards the stellar North, running parallel with the position of the North Star. The Great Pyramid of Egypt is also aligned in this way.
Please see the map below provided by the Cadastral Office of Municipality of Visoko.
The measurements made by the Geodetic Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina show that the sides of each pyramid are aligned with the earth’s cardinal points (North, South East and West). This is characteristic is shared with pyramids found in Egypt, China, Peru and Guatemala.
The Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun is oriented towards the stellar North, running parallel with the position of the North Star. The Great Pyramid of Egypt is also aligned in this way.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact.
It is thought to have been built as a tomb for an ancient Egyptian pharaoh over a period of around 20 years up to 2560BCE.
The pyramid was originally covered by highly polished white casing stones that formed a smooth outer surface, but centuries of erosion mean the structure's stepped underlying core is visible today.
It is thought to be made up of around 2.3million limestone blocks believed to have been transported from nearby quarries.
Originally towering at 481ft, the Great Pyramid was the world's tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years.
Today it stands at 455ft tall, and is dwarfed by the 2,717ft Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which currently holds the title of world's tallest building.
Feat: Originally the Great Pyramid, which is thought to have been constructed over a 20 year period, was covered by casing stones that formed an outer surface - what is visible today is the underlying core structure
Sphinx: The group captured the majestic Sphinx monument from their perch atop Giza's Great Pyramid - the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis
Erosion: The Great Pyramid is made up of an estimated 2.3million limestone blocks, thought to have been transported from nearby quarries
Fresh perspective: A group of Russians waited until evening fell and climbed the Great Pyramid of Giza, capturing the views from the top of the ancient structure on camera
Scale: At 481ft, the Great Pyramid - thought to have been built as a tomb for a fourth dynasty Egyptian pharaoh - was once the tallest man-made structure in the world
Ancient: Egyptian authorities put a stop to visitors climbing the pyramids in the 1980s, but it is thought some guides have been known to accept bribes to take tourists part of the way up
View: The group of Russians said they found signs on top of the pyramid featuring notices in various languages
Wonder: The archaeological site on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital is made up of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, several cemeteries, a workers' complex and an industrial village
Haze: The group of Russian tourists snapped the scenery after scaling the enormous pyramid at sunset
Perch: The photographer set up a tripod on one of the giant stone slabs at the top of Egypt's world-famous Great Pyramid The Egyptian government has reopened one of its great pyramids in an attempt to kick-start a tourism industry that was badly affected by last year's uprising. Antiquities Minister Muhammad Ibrahim announced that the Pyramid of Chefren and as many as six other ancient tombs at the Giza site will be reopened after a long restoration project.
But, while questions are still being asked about the security of potential tourists visiting the region, Mr Ibrahim insisted that Egypt was a safe country.
But, while questions are still being asked about the security of potential tourists visiting the region, Mr Ibrahim insisted that Egypt was a safe country.
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Back open for business: A general view of the Pyramid of Chefren, built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khafre, which has been reopened to the public after a programme of restoration
Reassuring: Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, Mohamed Ibrahim speaks to reporters during the reopening of the Pyramid of Chefren at Giza. He said that Egypt was a safe country for tourism
While there is evidence that the Egyptian tourism industry is picking up, there is widespread concern that the region is still prone to spontaneous and violent riots.
Egypt became a genuine no-go area following the unrest that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. Scenes of rioting in Cairo, and horror stories of western female journalists being sexually assaulted by mobs in Tahrir Square, understandably took the country off the holiday trail.
But Mr Ibrahim was keen to point out that the region was far more stable one year on, adding that other archaeological sites were due to be opened across Egypt in coming months.
Scenes of violent protests, mainly in the capital Cairo, were broadcast around the world.
Perfectly carved passageways: A Hong Kong tourist walks inside the newly reopened pyramid. A further six historical sights are to open soon, and many more will follow in the coming months
Stunning craftsmanship: Despite millennia of plundering, the antiquities of Egypt are remarkably preserved. This carving is part of the Tomb of Meresankh III near the Giza pyramids
History lesson: Wall paintings inside the Tomb of Meresankh III tell the story of construction and farming. The incredibly detailed carvings still have the remnants of the bright paint that would have dazzled the eye
'I am very happy today to reopen these tombs which were closed for more than ten years due to restoration,' an ecstatic MSA chief Mohamed Ibrahim told reporters.
The tomb and the others around it, were discovered in 1927 by American Egyptologist George Reinser, and have been closed for restoration on several other occasions in the past.
In the 1990s a site management plan was implemented to try and preserve these historic treasures when the Ministry of State Antiquities (MSA) discovered that the large volume of visitors over the years had raised levels of humidity inside the structures to levels of up to 80 per cent.
Research found that every visitor to the pyramids releases an average of 20 grams of water vapour through sweat.
This had slowly caused damage to the plaster that covers part of the Grand Gallery. The walls were also found to be covered with up to 2cm of salt minerals.
Accoring to Ahram online the project, which cost around $4 million, included cleaning the walls of the tombs and reinforcing them, as well as removing graffiti left by previous visitors. Inscriptions and paintings were also preserved.
The ground is now protected by wood to maintain the tomb's original rock and enable tourists to walk inside.
New lighting and ventilation systems have also been installed. A path linking the tombs to the Great Pyramid of Khufu was carved to enable movement across the plateau.
View of a standing statue of Iasen, wearing a stiff triangular kilt, inside The Tomb of Iasen, A tourist uses a hand fan, inside the tomb that belongs to Queen Meresankh III
New and old explorers: A tourist takes photos of the inside of the pyramid, with clear wall markings from Giovanni Belzoni's, who explored the structure in 1818
Time tunnel: The pyramid was most likely first opened - and robbed - more than 2,000 years before the birth of Christ. Yet the interiors of the giant structure remain remarkably intact and stunning
The Pyramid of Chefren, otherwise known as the Pyramid of Khafre, is the second largest pyramid in the Giza necropolis.
It was built as the tomb for the Pharaoh Khafre from ancient Egypt's fourth dynasty. It rises to a height of 448ft. It looks to be the tallest of the Gisa pyramids - but only because it it built at a higher elevation than the Great Pyramid (or Pyramid of Khufu), which is seven feet taller at 455ft but is 50ft wider at its base.
Originally both pyramids stood about 20 feet taller, but many casing stones toward the top of each and the caps - or pyrimidions - have been eroded or destroyed.
In the case of the Pyramid of Chefren, stones were removed to build a temple in Heliopolis on the orders of Rameses II.
The pyramid was most likely first opened - and robbed - more than 2,000 years before the birth of Christ. Yet the interiors of the giant structure remain remarkably intact and stunning.
Carvings, statues and dead-straight passageways inspire awe at the genius of ancient artists and stonemasons.
The first recorded opening of the pyramid was in 1372. Fully notated explorations of the pyramid were conducted by Giovanni Belzoni in 1818, and a more complete exploration was made by John Perring in 1837.
The pyramid of Khafre in Giza, southwest of central Cairo, after the re-opening of the site and six graves of individuals and princesses from the Old Kingdom of Egypt
An Egyptian man rides his horse and carriage past the pyramid which has been part of the landscape her for thousands of years
A camel opens its mouth and looks skyward in front of the newly reopened Pyramid
An Egyptian archaeologist works on the restoration of a wall inside the Tomb of Seshemnefer II, near to the newly reopened Pyramid of Khafre
A tourist gestures as a friend takes a picture for her on the huge steps that make up the biggest pyramid in Giza
The sun's rays glint over the the top of the pyramid illuminating its many steps
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF THE BOSNIAN VALLEY OF THE PYRAMIDS
The four-year comprehensive geo-archaeological research points to the existence of huge construction complex in Visoko Valley. This complex is named the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramidsand includes the following structures:- Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (former “Visocica Hill”)- Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon (former “Pljesevica Hill”)- Pyramid of the Bosnian Dragon (former “Buci Hill”)- Temple of Earth (former “Krstac Hill”)- Bosnian Pyramid of Love (former “Cemerac Hill”)- Tumulus in Vratnica (former “Toprakalija Hill” in Vratnica)- Structure “Dolovi” (Vratnica)- Underground tunnel complex “Ravne” (entrance to the tunnel 2.5 km from the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun)- Underground tunnel network “KTK” (entrance to the tunnel 1 km from the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun)
1.1. Geometric features of the pyramids
Based on numerous airborne and space-borne images of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun, it becomes evident that the geometric features present with three sides that exhibit geometrical shape of a triangle. Even though such elements occur in nature, it is rarely, if ever, a precise shape and rarely replicated on opposite sides of a mound. In this case, two sides are equilateral triangles, with well- defined sides. Satellite imaging of the local area in the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Landsat, Radarsat, Hyperion, Ikonos, courtesy of Dr. Amer Smailbegovic), indicated that there are five hills which show apparent geospatial anomalies where two or more sides are triangular. All of the aforementioned hills exhibit triangular sides and some have elements of stairs and step features on the sides with flat plateaus on the top. In the case of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun, three out of four sides exhibit evidence of geometric features. Geologic evidence is not indicative of any significant faulting or the processes of the glaciations in the area that would otherwise affect the existence, geometry and texture of these sides.
Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun, Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.2. Perfect orientation – Cardinal sides of the world
The measurements made by the Geodetic Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina indicate that the sides of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (BPS) are exactly aligned with the cardinal sides of the world (North-South, East-West), which is one of the characteristics often noted with the existing pyramids in Egypt, Peru, Guatemala or China. The North side of the BPS is oriented towards stellar North (like the Great Pyramid of Egypt), in parallel with the position of the North Star.
Satellite topography of Bosnian Pyramid of Sun and orientation toward cardinal points
(Courtesy of dr. Amer Smailbegovic)
(Courtesy of dr. Amer Smailbegovic)
Location of geospatial “anomalies” or pyramids, on topographic map
with their exact orientation with cardinal NSWE directions.
with their exact orientation with cardinal NSWE directions.
1.3. Apparent thermal inertia measurements
The results of the thermal inertia obtained from ASTER thermal detector (resolution 60m) suggest that the observed targets may be comprised of less consolidated material and tend to “cool faster” respective to their surroundings (presumed denser). The findings would be consistent with initial field observations noted in the Geological Report, and also recent excavations on site. The results appear consistent with what would be expected from an artificial structure – lesser density materials, porosity, internal cavities/chambers, hallways etc. all contribute to an increased heat loss.
Apparent Thermal Inertia
1.4. Geological-sedimentary analyses
The results of core drilling, test-well sinking and limited trenching in August and October 2005, with a follow-up in 2006 and 2007, have confirmed prior observations and, revealed that the surface of the pyramids is comprised of layered sandstone and breccia blocks, which have been manually processed and/or cut to fit the required dimensions. The binding agent found between the sandstone blocks suggest the presence of a “clastic breccia,” a multicolored conglomerate comprised out of gravel, sandstone and shale with a connective matrix or cement composed of sandy carbon particles of quartz, feldspar and flakes of mica. The flat sides of the blocks, the contact zone, and the binding agent are clearly visible. Further detailed cleaning of the contact line between the two sandstone blocks revealed that the blocks were manually processed beneath and that the surface was flat and smooth, with binding agent applied afterwards to the surface.
Sandstone monoliths, shaped by human hands and emplaced at the monumental access plateau
1.5. Geodetic topographic countour analysis
The elevation that is shown on this high resolution interval contour map indicates an even overall slope and a stair-step design, observable on the sides of the Pyramid of the Sun.
3-D geodetic contour interval map of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (Courtesy: Geodetic Institute of Bosnia-Herzegovina)
1.6. Lineament detection
The automated linear-anomaly detector LINANAL (originally developed for tectonic studies of topographic lineaments) estimated the break angles of 43.822 degrees (+/- 1.6) on the exposed facets, repeated within the same error envelope on all exposed sides The observed phenomena should not be confused with triangular facets normally occurring in a tectonic setting, for those occurrences only exhibit single-sided triangulation and are uneven in the appearance with a far lesser or greater incidence angle, whereas the observed anomalies exhibit two or more even triangular sides with 4, ~~ 40-48 degrees angular breaks. Furthermore, no observed fault strikes correspond with the triangular occurrences on the mounds, thus eliminating the possibility that they were a secondary product of recent tectonic movements.
Results from automated lineament detection on the available, high resolution data sets over Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (and image base for a quick reference). Note the preferential orientation of the lineaments (Courtesy of Dr. Amer Smailbegovic)
1.7. Radar and georadar analysis
Combined radar analysis from RADARSAT and SPOT radar system suggest that there are apparent lineaments present on the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun and access plateau which may be indicative of buried terraces, walls and/or passageways/entrances or cavities and chambers inside of the structure. Additionally, artificial illumination of the radar-based topography suggests that the pyramids preserve their unusual shape even when illuminated from different directions. The existence of these artificial structures is also reinforced by numerous statements of the military personnel stationed on the Pyramid itself and subjected to heavy shelling. They have reported unusual ground vibrations, echoing and ground movement whenever the mound was hit by the artillery fire during the war operations in Bosnia 1992-95. This acoustic evidence suggests that cavities/chambers indeed exist within the structure. During winter 2006/2007, two independent teams of georadar experts from Germany (LGA Bautechnick GMBH with Dr. Andreas Hasenstab as a team leader) and Serbia (Institute for Geophysics from Belgrade with Dr. Dejan Vuckovic as a head of the research), concluded that a total of 44 anomalies were found in the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids and includes terraces, steps, shaped stone structures, passageways etc.
Georadar experts from German company LGA Bautechnick GMBH found 44 man-made structures within 18 meters in depth throughout Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids.
German georadar equipment shows possible passageways within the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun
1.8. Equilateral triangle of three main pyramids
Three main pyramids in the Bosnian Pyramid Valley form an equilateral triangle. The Kadastral Office from the County of Visoko performed GPS measurements of the hilltops and determined that all angles are symmetric (60 degrees). Their measurements showed that the distances among all three hilltops are the same (approx. 2,2 km) with less than 2% error, verifying the artificial structures.
Topographic chart (1:24,000) with all three locations (Bosnian pyramids of the Sun, Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Bosnian Dragon), formed an equilateral triangle the valley (Courtesy of Cadastral Office, Municipality of Visoko).
1.9. Geo-archaelogical evidence – Field campaigns 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
The “Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun” Foundation has spent over 300,000 working hours excavating the archaeological locations in Visoko – Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids. This fact alone made this project the largest archaeological project in the world.
1.9.1. Bosnian pyramid of the sun
The Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun is completely covered by soil and vegetation. During the 1950s and 1960s, local government organized tree planting activities. Trees managed to grow only on the bottom half of the Pyramid. Thickness of the soil on Western, Northern and Eastern side of the Pyramid varies from the top (20cm) to the bottom (1.5 meter). This is due to the erosion. The Southern side, which seams to be damaged, has a soil layer of 3-6 meters. That is the reason why this side has lost its regularity. Physical material evidence of shaped and well preserved stone monoliths were unearthed during the ongoing geo-archaeological campaign in 2006-2008.
Excavation sites on the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun.
Stone monoliths on the Northern side of the Bosnian pyramid of the Sun superstructure of the pyramid-outer facing of the pyramid
Samples of the stone blocks were analyzed in three domestic Bosnian scientific institutions (Institute for Civil Engineering in Tuzla, Institute for materials at the University of Zenica and Institute for Construction at the University of Sarajevo). Hardness of over 100 MPs and presence of the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate point into the direction of ancient synthetic material – first concrete! According to Prof. Muhamed Pasic from University of Zenica, they are “moderately baked clay crushed with water possesses binding properties”. It has been the basis for Roman cement as well.
Concrete blocks stowed one on top of another, forming the slope of the pyramid
Four rows of blocks (40-45 cm thick) are followed by clay layer (45 cm) and another two rows of blocks follow.
Four rows of blocks (40-45 cm thick) are followed by clay layer (45 cm) and another two rows of blocks follow.
Concrete blocks form the same slope in all directions.
Tree roots can not permeate the cement surface of the Pyramid.
According to the biologist professor Sulejman Redzic of Univesity of Sarajevo, same roots break through natural conglomerate materialfor 20-25 meters (Neretva river valley, 120 km south of Visoko)
North-East corner of the Pyramid clearly shows construction characteristics.
Causeway that leads to the top of the Bosnian pyramid of the Sun is paved by the sandstone plates; pyramid is built from entirely different materials (concrete conglomerate blocks). Aerial photo shows corners between West and North, and North and East. Top of the Pyramid is flat like pyramids in China, Mexico or Egypt.
Fluvial geomorphology
– Comparison among two natural hills in US (Hazen Hill and Fowler Hill) and Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (“Visocica”); triangular faces in a case of natural hills form the permanent water drainage unlike artificial walls of Bosnian pyramid of the Sun (Northern and Eastern sides).
Concrete blocks are covered by thin and smooth “sandstone” layer
Geophysicists from the Belgrade University conducting geo-radar screening (sonda # 12)
Satellite radar has penetrated the surface of Northern side of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun of four meters. Straight black lines show underground passageways – pyramidal substructure. Some of them intersect at 90 degrees.
1.9.2 Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon
With its height of 190 meters, Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon is the world’s second largest: next to the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun (220 meters) and higher than Khufu’s Great Pyramid of Egypt (148 meters). It is a three-sided pyramid with the plateau coming from the East, leading to the top of the structure. Other sides (North, West, South) match the cardinal points. For the construction of this pyramid, sandstone plates and tiles were used together with the clay as a constructive material.
Layout of three main pyramids: Sun (top right), Moon (bottom) and Dragon (left) form the equilateral triangle with a distance of 2,2 km between the tops of the pyramids.
Geometry, shape, orientation, constructive material – they all prove the perfect planning and execution of the complex.
Shadow of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun form the parallel “pyramid” next to the Bosnian pyramid of the Moon on a day of summer solstice (June 22), extremely important day for the ancient people
Shadow of the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun completely covers Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon
just before the sunset on August 20th
just before the sunset on August 20th
A small building in Mexico tells the violent history of treachery and conquest at the great Aztec city of Cholulu – but for hundreds of years, a secret lay beneath its floors.
Hiding under the grass, trees and soil sits the Great Pyramid of Cholula, deemed the largest monument ever built on Earth, with a base four times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
In 1519, Hernan Cortez and his men marched into the city and massacred 10 percent of the population, building a tiny church on top of a massive hill as a symbol of their conquest.
And, it wasn't until 1910 that the pyramid underneath was finally discovered.
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In 1519, Hernan Cortez and his men marched into the great Aztec city of Cholulu, massacred 10 percent of the population and built a tiny church on top of a massive hill as a symbol of their conquest. However, hiding under the tufts of grass, trees and soil of this hill was the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which has a base four times the size of the Great Pyramid and is deemed the largest monument ever built on Earth
Cholula is located near the capital Tenochtitlan and was one of the most important cities in the Aztec Empire.
It was home to about 100,000 people and known for its bustling markets and fine trade goods.
The city was believed to be incredibly sacred and the people constructed a holy pyramid for every day of the year, reports Zaria Gorvett with BBC.com.
When Cortez, the leader of the Spanish Army, and his men arrived in Cholula on October 12, 1519, they stormed the streets, looted religious treasures, burned holy pyramids and killed 3,000 people within a few hours - although some say the death toll was as much as 30,000.
After the Spaniards settled in the city, which is now part of Mexico, they constructed so many buildings that it now has a church for every day of the year – the final touch being the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remediosa on top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
When Cortez, the leader of the Spanish Army, and his men arrived in Cholula on October 12, 1519, they stormed the streets, looted religious treasures, burned holy pyramids and killed 3,000 people within a few hours - although some say the death toll was as much as 30,000. Pictured is an image of the church taken in the 1900s
The Great Pyramid of Cholula sits just outside Puebla, the fourth largest city in modern day Mexico.
It is 450 meters wide and 66 meters tall, and has been compared to the size of nine Olympic sized swimming pools.
Not only is this structure the largest pyramid on the planet, but it is also the largest monument built to this day.
The Great Pyramid of Chululo stands 450 meters wide and 66 meters tall, and has been compared to the size of nine Olympic sized swimming pools. Not only is this structure the largest pyramid on the planet, but it is also the largest monument ever built to this day
After the Spaniards settled in the city, which is now part of Mexico, they constructed so many buildings that it now has a church for every day of the year – the final touch being the the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remediosa on top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula
The locals call this massive formation Tlachihualtepetl, or 'man-made mountain', and because a church was built on top, it is also the oldest continuously occupied building in North America.
History suggests that when Cortez arrived in Cholula the pyramid was already thousands of years old and entirely overgrown by vegetation.
But some legends say the great pyramid was so sacred to the Cholula people, that they covered it with soil in order to hide it from the conquistadors.
The Great Pyramid has its own secrets, as it is not just a single pyramid, but no less than six built on top of the other.
The locals call this massive formation Tlachihualtepetl, or 'man-made mountain', and because a church was built on top, it is also the oldest continuously occupied building in North America. History suggests that when Cortez arrived in Cholula the pyramid was already thousands of years old and entirely overgrown by vegetation
Experts say it grew in stages, as successive civilizations improved on what had already been built.
'They made a conscious effort to maintain and in some cases display previous construction episodes,' says Carballo.
'This is pretty novel, and shows deliberate efforts to link to the past'.
The pyramid hid under the earth until it was discovered in 1910, when workers were constructing an insane asylum at the base.
When pavement was removed in 2013 to access the city's drainage system, other workers uncovered at least 63 skeletons – some of which were the deformed skulls of decapitated children.
Cholula is located near the capital Tenochtitlan and was one of the most important cities in the Aztec Empire. It was home to about 100,000 people and known for its bustling markets and fine trade goods. The Great Pyramid of Cholula sits just outside Puebla (pictured), the fourth largest city in modern day Mexico
The pyramid hid under the earth until it was discovered in 1910, when workers were constructing an insane asylum at the base. When pavement was removed in 2013 to access the city's drainage system, other workers uncovered at least 63 skeletons (pictured) – some of which were the deformed skulls of decapitated children
Although Tlachihualtepetl is the largest on the planet, experts are still trying to unravel its secrets.
It's believed to have been constructed around 300 BC, but by who still remains a mystery.
Ancient myths tell a tale of a giant who built the structure, but the city's inhabitants were a cosmopolitan mix and experts believe the mixed races played into the stories.
'It appears to have been multi-ethnic, with a great deal of migration,' David Carballo, an archaeologist at Boston University, Massachusetts, told BBC.com.
Although Tlachihualtepetl is the largest on the planet, experts are still trying to unravel its secrets. It's believed to have been constructed around 300 BC, but by who still remains a mystery. From the 1930s until today, great efforts have been made to fully excavate the pyramid. Over five miles of tunnels have been dug inside the structure that are open to the public, however, the locals have also reclaimed the pyramid as their own
Cholula is located in the Mexican highlands and for thousands of years it was an important trading post, connecting the Tolteca-Chichimeca kingdoms in the North with the Maya in the South.
By the time Cortez set foot in the city, which he called 'the most beautiful city outside Spain', it had become the second-largest city in the Aztec empire.
From the 1930s until today, great efforts have been made to fully excavate the pyramid.
Over five miles of tunnels have been dug inside the structure that are open to the public, however, the locals have also reclaimed the pyramid as their own.
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