ICBP Book [antikvár]

PrefaceThe First International Scientific Conference on the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (August 25-31, 2008). This international event attracted 55 experts (geophysicists, archaeologists, geologists, geodesists, chemists and historians) from ten different countries and three different continents: Egypt, China, United Kingdom, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia- Herzegovina. The delegates presented the research papers on findings and analysis of what seems to he sofar, the oldest European pyramidal structures yet discovered. Additionally, due to the unique nature of the building techniques and materials, this discovery also may represent a new phenomenon to the world of archaeology and history.The pyramidalformations were discovered in Bosnia and Herzegovina near the town of Visoko in April 2005. They were estimated to be among the largest, ifnot the largest pyramids in the world. According to the pedologists, Visoko's pyramids have been covered by soilfor at least ten thousand years. A large network ofancient underground tunnels was also discovered in the Bosnian Vklley of the Pyramids, along with the traces of ancient graphics. These findings, in the heart of Bosnia, have attracted the attention ofeminent world experts who have since been visiting this small and yet, relatively unknown country.The Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Suna non-profit and non-governmental Foundation is conducting the research of the pyramidal structures in Visoko's valley and is registeredfor the archeological research and the protection of the cultural heritage of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Foundation is fully open to research assistance and the support of scientists of various disciplines from around the globe.Many experts and volunteers have invested an enormous effort during the pastfour years, resulting in hundreds ofthousands of hours of excavation work. Furthermore, the laboratory analyses of samplesfrom the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids have provided credible evidence to continue the research.The 2008 conference was organized in the light of these findings with the aim to inform the scientific world and the wider community about the conclusion ofresearch carried out so far.Atfirst, the scientific community received the news of the existence ofBosnian pyramids with much disbelief. However, a multi-disciplinary scientific approach has consistently provided further evidence for the existence of the pyramids. The analysis made by modem satellite, thermal, radar and geo-radar methods, combined with the classic geo-archaeological and scientific methodologies, provided the strongest evidence to support the hypothesis and assumptions about the existence of the pyramids, which was initially based on observation and preliminary analysis.There are still many unanswered questions at this time due to limited research of the Visoko pyramid site. Therefore, it is not surprising that there were differing opinions amongst the participants of the conference. While some of these opinions may be based on the preliminary analysis, observations and/or preconceived notions, such differing opinions were nevertheless presented at this Conference.The references to the pyramidsfound in other parts ofthe world such as Central and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, were also presented at the conference. Some pyramids around the world are found to share common characteristics such as the orientation towards the cardinal points, existence of interior passageways and chambers, underground tunnels, an angle of repose, etc. However, the pyramids across the world also differ greatly as they are characterized by many local elements such as the material available for construction, the specific design, social, cultural and religious aspects, etc.