Researchers Unearth Sophisticated Engineering And Metal-Work Beneath Ancient Greek ‘Pyramid’
As noted by experts, this ancient ‘pyramid’ composed of a number of terraces of would have blazed in the Greek sun, visible from far off. Beneath the structure, researchers discovered traces of complex engineering and metal-working. A group of archaeologists from three countries has found evidence of advanced engineering work under the terraces of the pyramidal sanctuary of the islet Daskalio. New excavations on the remote Greek island of Keros have revealed evidence of spectacular engineering feats and monumental architectural works that, according to researchers, make it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Aegean. An Impressive ancient mold for metallurgy found in the archaeological site. Image Credit: University of Cambridge According to reports, more than 4,000 years ago, to be precise 4,500 years ago, the ancient builders carved the entire surface of a natural promontory in the form of a pyramid on the Greek island of Keros. They formed it in terraces covered with 1,000 tons of gleaming white stone specially imported to give it the appearance of a giant stepped pyramid that rises from the Aegean, making it the most imposing artificial structure of the entire Cycladic archipelago. However, what’s inside is even more impressive, say archaeologists. Experts have found below the surface of the terraces still-undiscovered engineering and craftsmanship feats that rival the impressive exterior of the structure. As noted by the Guardian, Archaeologists have found evidence of a complex of drainage tunnels – constructed 1,000 years before the famous indoor plumbing of the Minoan palace of Knossos on Crete – and traces of sophisticated metalworking. Experts are still unsure whether the ancient tunnels were designed as a system for wastewater or fresh water. This is an aerial image of the promontory of Dhaskalio, rising from the Aegean sea. According to experts, it was once joined to the major sanctuary of Keros. Image Credit: Michael Boyd Researchers uncovered the first traces of advanced metalworking ten years ago on the site. Since then, new discoveries have shown the ancient inhabitants of the Mini-Islands were far more sophisticated than researchers imagined, as experts have excavated two workshops full of metalworking debris, and a number of artifacts including a lead axe, a mold for copper daggers, as well as countless ceramic fragments from metalworking equipment, used by the ancient builders, thousands of years ago. “What we are seeing here with the metalworking and in other ways is the beginnings of urbanization,” said Joint director of the excavation Michael Boyd, of the University of Cambridge in an interview with the Guardian. Far-flung communities were drawn into networks centered on the site, craft and agricultural production was intensified, and the architecture became grander, gradually overshadowing the original importance of the sanctuary. Archaeologists have found complex drainage tunnels and metalwork. Image Credit Michael Boyd. It is noteworthy to mention that the Dhaksalio promontory is now essentially a small islet due to the rise in sea level. However, 4,500 years ago it was attached through a narrow channel to Keros, which, according to previous research, was a maritime sanctuary, center of power and destination of pilgrimage where mysterious rituals were carried out with broken marble objects. Source: Advanced Plumbing and Metalwork Found on Ancient Greek Island Complex engineering and metal-work discovered beneath ancient Greek ‘pyramid’
