Yonaguni underwater pyramid may predate Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids
The Yonaguni underwater pyramid has long stirred curiosity among archaeologists and divers alike, but the mystery behind it could soon push us to rethink what we know about human history. Discovered off the coast of Japan’s Yonaguni Island, near Taiwan, the massive stone structure sits just 25 metres below sea level and has been at the centre of fierce debate ever since it came to light in 1986.
With clean edges, sharp-angled steps and a towering height of nearly 30 metres, the Yonaguni underwater pyramid looks almost too geometric to be a natural formation. And if it really is man-made, as some scientists and divers suggest, it would have to be over 10,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known examples of complex architecture anywhere on the planet.
From a British perspective, it’s hard not to draw comparisons with sites like Stonehenge or even ancient Egyptian monuments. But if the Yonaguni structure was indeed carved by early humans, it would date to well before these better-known landmarks, possibly even built before the last Ice Age ended and sea levels rose to submerge it. That would place it thousands of years earlier than the Great Pyramid of Giza, raising big questions about what kind of civilisations might have existed, and how they developed such advanced knowledge of construction.
While some geologists insist it’s a natural rock formation shaped by tectonic activity, others argue that its flat terraces, straight stairways and pillars point towards human intervention. Professor Masaaki Kimura, a marine geologist who has spent years studying the site, has even identified what he believes are roadways, temples and even possible hieroglyphs carved into the stone.
If his claims hold up to scrutiny, the implications are significant. “This could be evidence of a civilisation that predates all known cultures by thousands of years,” one expert was quoted as saying in a marine archaeology discussion. The scientific community remains divided, but the structure continues to attract divers and researchers from across the world.
Whether or not it proves to be the work of an ancient society, the Yonaguni underwater pyramid has become a case study in the tensions between geological and archaeological interpretation. And for those of us fascinated by lost worlds and unanswered questions, it’s a reminder of how much we still don’t know about the deep past.
You can explore how natural processes shape underwater landscapes by visiting this external research page on marine geology. For related EyeOnLondon content about archaeological discoveries that challenge the timeline of civilisation, see our piece on the Melsonby Hoard.
For more updates on ancient mysteries, new discoveries, and the evolving story of our past, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
