Ukrainian pyramids

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Ukrainian archaeologists claim to have discovered a pyramidal structure dating to approximately 3000 BC (early Yamna culture) near the city of Luhansk. The findings were officially announced on 7 September 2006, though much of the information was released 11 August. It is still unclear if the "pyramid" description is justified, or if it would be more accurate to describe the find as a temple or graveyard on a hilltop.

1 Discovery
2 Controversy
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Discovery

It is believed that the pyramid was constructed about five millennia ago, at the time of the early Bronze Age. The "pyramid" is in fact a complex of temples and sacrificial altars topping a hill with sides sculpted into steps.

Viktor Klochko, head of the excavation, said the discovery was of international significance as the first monument of its kind found in Eastern Europe:

“It changes our whole conception of the social structure and the level of development of the cattle breeders and farmers who were the direct ancestors of most European peoples.”

Archaeologists have confirmed that evidence of graves has been found at the Luhansk site, which they believe to have been the result of human sacrifice, rather than due to its use as a burial ground. "People lived in the surrounding valleys and climbed up it to carry out their ceremonies," Klochko is quoted in The Guardian of 7 September 2006, “They had a pagan cult that bowed down to the sun, as did the ancestors of the Slavs.”

According to The Guardian, remains of sacrifice victims, ashes and ceramics have been found at the site, but no jewellery or treasure. The complex has a base area of three-quarters of a square mile, is estimated to be 60 metres (192ft) high, and was probably used for 2,000 years.

[edit] Controversy

The discovery has received mixed reactions from the academic community, and the claim that authentic pyramids have been found is still disputed. Members of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine have been sent to the site for independent verification.