In 1985, while working in the sea near Yonaguni Jima Island, a Japanese diver accidentally discovered a massive ancient stone structure. This work is in the form of stairs with carefully hewn edges that are quite similar to pyramids. It was later named Yonaguni Architectural Complex.
Scientists went to the place to check after receiving the information. At first, they thought that these rocks were formed by nature. However, in 1997, Masaaki Kimura, a marine geologist at Ryūkyū University, Japan, visited the structure with a group of scientists. Kimura spent years exploring it and came to the conclusion that the structure was man-made. In addition, they also found animal characters on the stones.
Japanese scientists also came to the surprising conclusion that this is a vestige of an ancient high-class civilization, an ancient city that was sunk by an earthquake about 12,000 years ago. It is thought to have formed at the end of the Ice Age, when the area was still above the sea.
A diver accidentally found the ruins of a pyramid on the seabed of Japan. (Photo: National Geographic)
During a seminar, Masaaki Kimura presented his hypothesis: “The largest structure looks like a stepped pyramid, made of monolithic stone, rising at a depth of 25 meters”. However, Robert Schoch, a professor of science and mathematics at Boston University, who has dived into the area, said: “I don’t believe any of the large structures or shapes there are man-made steps, they are all natural. It’s just sandstone formations, which tend to fracture in long planes, and create very straight edges, especially in seismically active regions.” and
Some experts believe this underwater structure may be the remains of Mu, a legendary Pacific civilization that was rumored to have been submerged by the waves.
Later, divers found long roads, great avenues, grand staircase structures, arched structures, and huge blocks of stone precisely and meticulously hewn. Ten other structures were discovered in Yonaguni, including a castle, five temple-like structures and what looks like a huge stadium. Interestingly, all these structures are connected by waterways and roads.
Scientists have not been able to explain how this relic formed at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. How did this architectural ensemble disappear and what happened to all the people who lived here? This place has remained the subject of controversy for over 30 years.
