Bosnian pyramid claims

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The Bosnian pyramid claims are

pseudoarchaeological[1] theories put forward to explain
the formation of a cluster of natural hills in the area of
Visoko in central Bosnia and Herzegovina.[2] Since
2005,[2][3] Semir Osmanagić, a Bosnian-American
businessman[2] based in Houston, Texas,[4] 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.[2]
[5][6]

Visočica hill

Plješevica hill

Direct study of the site by geologists, archaeologists,

and other scientists has demonstrated that the hills are
natural formations known as flatirons,[5] and that there
is no evidence that they were shaped by human
construction.[7][6][8] The European Association of
Archaeologists has condemned the so-called 'Bosnian
pyramids' as a "cruel hoax"; along with various other
scholars[2] they are also concerned about damage
being done to genuine archaeological and
paleontological sites:[2] a medieval Bosnian castle,[2]
Roman fortifications, and some even more ancient
remains.[9] Osmanagić initiated excavations in 2006
and has since reshaped one of the hills, making it look
like a stepped pyramid.[10][11] 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.[12][5][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 Visoko area in recent
years has attracted pseudoscience enthusiasts; the so-
called Bosnian pyramids and the Ravne tunnels have
been morphed into "New Age pilgrimage sites."[2] By
June 2016, Osmanagić had completed an
"archaeological park" at one of the hills, where he
attracts volunteers who are constructing botanical
gardens; meditation sessions have been held at the
site.[4] It has been noted that tourist traffic has aided
the economy of the city of Visoko, located near the
front of the war that destroyed so much of the country
in the late 20th century.[4] As of 2017, Osmanagić
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

Scholarly response

Tourism

Gallery

See also

References

External links

Last edited 6 hours ago by Cjse23

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