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A pyramid in Indonesia is thought to be the oldest pyramid in the world, according to scientists. New research presented at the AGU 2018 Fall Meeting in Washington suggests it is could be more than 10,000 years old. It has been found to have layered foundations dating as far back as this after the hill on top of Mount Padang in West Java was found not to be natural as first thought, but in fact, made by humans. The team used a number of methods to gain information, such as archaeological digs and tomography.

What is previously seen as just surface building, it's going down — and it's a huge structure Andang Bachtiar

Andang Bachtiar, an independent geologist who observed the discovery, told LiveScience: "What is previously seen as just surface building, it's going down — and it's a huge structure," One of the researchers explained: "Our studies proves that the structure does not cover just the top but also wrap around the slopes covering about 15 hectares area at least. "The structures are not only superficial but rooted into greater depth." It is thought the layers were built up over a number of periods over millennia. The first layer has been dated back 3,500 years, with the second layer around 8,000 years old.

Oldest pyramid: Research in Indonesia has found a pyramid dating further back than the Giza

Oldest pyramid: Padang in West Java has revealed multiple layers dating thousands of years

The third layer has been measured as at least 9,500 years old, and could be as much as 28,000 years. The pyramid is thought to have religious connotations, although this is currently speculation. This is because of the current location being used by locals for praying, as it is seen as a sacred region. It is also unlike other pyramids - instead of being symmetrical like many are, the elongated structure has a semi-circle on the front. It predates the Great Pyramid of Giza which was thought to be around 4500 years old, built over 20 years during the 4th dynasty in Egypt.

Oldest pyramid: The pyramid in Indonesia could date as far back as 28,000 years