The 'Bosnian pyramid complex' is a pseudoarchaeological[1] notion to explain the formation of a cluster of natural hills in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2005,[2] Semir Osmanagić, also known as Sam Osmanagich, a Bosnian businessman now based in Houston, Texas,[3] has claimed that these hills are the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth. His claims have been overwhelmingly refuted by scientists but he has proceeded to promote the area as a tourist attraction.[4][5]
Direct study of the site by geologists, archeologists, and other scientists have demonstrated that the hills are natural formations known as flatirons[4] and that there is no evidence that they were shaped by human construction.[6][5][7] The European Association of Archaeologists has condemned the so-called 'Bosnian pyramids' as a "cruel hoax"; they are also concerned about damage being done to genuine archaeological sites: a medieval Bosnian capital, Roman fortifications, and some even more ancient remains.[8]
Osmanagić initiated excavations in 2006 and has since reshaped one of the hills, making it look like a stepped pyramid.[9][10] The academic community has called for the government to end funding of excavations and disruption of the site because of the damage to true archaeological resources.[11][4][12][13]
Many scholars have noted that the claims have been used for serious ideological, political and economic gains by various factions in Bosnia. Although Osmanagić's claims have been completely disproved by the scientific community, the site has attracted pseudoscience enthusiasts. By June 2016, Osmanagic had completed an "archeological park" at one of the hills, where he attracts volunteers who are constructing botanical gardens; meditation sessions have been held at the site.[3] It has been noted that tourist traffic has aided the economy of city of Visoko, located near the front of the war that destroyed so much of the country in the late 20th century.[3]
As of 2017, Osmanagic continued to make alterations to the hills and add to his marketing about them. His work at the time was based on private funding.
Osmanagić's claims
The hills are located near the town of Visoko, northwest of Sarajevo. The town was Bosnia's capital during the Middle Ages, and ruins of a medieval fortress are located atop Visočica hill.[4] Given the defensive strategic value of hilltop locations, other civilizations built facilities at this site: the fortress was built over an old observation post of the Roman Empire. It had been constructed on top of the ruins of a more ancient settlement.[11] The hills are a type known as flatirons. Archaeological geologist Paul Heinrich of Louisiana State University has said that such formations are common throughout the world, for example, the so-called 'Russian Twin Pyramids' in Vladivostok, and there are many in the nearby region.[4]
In October 2005, Osmanagić and his supporters initiated a long-running media campaign to promote the pseudo-scien
Direct study of the site by geologists, archeologists, and other scientists have demonstrated that the hills are natural formations known as flatirons[4] and that there is no evidence that they were shaped by human construction.[6][5][7] The European Association of Archaeologists has condemned the so-called 'Bosnian pyramids' as a "cruel hoax"; they are also concerned about damage being done to genuine archaeological sites: a medieval Bosnian capital, Roman fortifications, and some even more ancient remains.[8]
Osmanagić initiated excavations in 2006 and has since reshaped one of the hills, making it look like a stepped pyramid.[9][10] The academic community has called for the government to end funding of excavations and disruption of the site because of the damage to true archaeological resources.[11][4][12][13]
Many scholars have noted that the claims have been used for serious ideological, political and economic gains by various factions in Bosnia. Although Osmanagić's claims have been completely disproved by the scientific community, the site has attracted pseudoscience enthusiasts. By June 2016, Osmanagic had completed an "archeological park" at one of the hills, where he attracts volunteers who are constructing botanical gardens; meditation sessions have been held at the site.[3] It has been noted that tourist traffic has aided the economy of city of Visoko, located near the front of the war that destroyed so much of the country in the late 20th century.[3]
As of 2017, Osmanagic continued to make alterations to the hills and add to his marketing about them. His work at the time was based on private funding.
Osmanagić's claims
The hills are located near the town of Visoko, northwest of Sarajevo. The town was Bosnia's capital during the Middle Ages, and ruins of a medieval fortress are located atop Visočica hill.[4] Given the defensive strategic value of hilltop locations, other civilizations built facilities at this site: the fortress was built over an old observation post of the Roman Empire. It had been constructed on top of the ruins of a more ancient settlement.[11] The hills are a type known as flatirons. Archaeological geologist Paul Heinrich of Louisiana State University has said that such formations are common throughout the world, for example, the so-called 'Russian Twin Pyramids' in Vladivostok, and there are many in the nearby region.[4]
In October 2005, Osmanagić and his supporters initiated a long-running media campaign to promote the pseudo-scien
Category
📚
Learning