This Newly Found Site Near Dieng is a Mini Pompeii van Java, But with Smarter Wisdom

Summary

The Liyangan Site in Central Java, Indonesia, is an ancient settlement rediscovered after being buried by volcanic eruptions. This archaeological marvel, dating back to the 3rd century AD, offers a glimpse into ancient Javanese life, featuring intricate temple ruins, residential areas, and agricultural structures. The absence of victim remains suggests the people had advanced knowledge of natural signs, enabling them to escape disaster. The site’s unique artifacts, inscriptions, and possible connections to the ancient Mataram kingdom make it a fascinating puzzle in understanding the region's early history. The Liyangan Site exemplifies the wisdom of living in harmony with nature, offering lessons for modern times.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Liyangan Site in Central Java, Indonesia, is an ancient settlement rediscovered after volcanic eruptions, offering important insights into ancient Javanese life.
• 😀 The civilization of the Liyangan Site dates back to a period older than the Roman civilization, possibly as early as the 3rd century AD, based on carbon dating of organic materials.
• 😀 The site was buried by the eruption of Mount Sindoro in Central Java, similar to the way Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
• 😀 The Liyangan Site features a complex with various structures, including temples, ancient walls, and a holy bath, some of which are still under excavation and restoration.
• 😀 The Liyangan Site includes artifacts from daily life, rituals, and agriculture, providing a comprehensive view of ancient Javanese society.
• 😀 The site shows evidence of a terraced mandala design, suggesting a connection to ancient spiritual beliefs and rituals, possibly predating the Hindu-Buddhist influence in Java.
• 😀 The discovery of a large ancient road and other structures suggests that the Liyangan settlement was much larger than the currently exposed area.
• 😀 The Liyangan Site's architecture displays both unique features and connections to other regional temples, including the ancient Mataram style from the 9th to 10th century AD.
• 😀 Unlike Pompeii, no traces of victims were found at the Liyangan Site, indicating that the site's inhabitants had local wisdom that allowed them to avoid the volcanic disaster.
• 😀 The rediscovery of the Liyangan Site highlights the importance of learning from ancient wisdom and respecting nature in order to better understand and mitigate natural disasters in the present day.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Liyangan Site in Central Java?

The Liyangan Site is an ancient settlement rediscovered after being buried by volcanic eruptions. It provides valuable insights into the daily life, rituals, and culture of ancient Javanese civilization, showcasing an organized and sophisticated community.

How does the Liyangan Site compare to Pompeii?

Both Liyangan and Pompeii were buried by volcanic eruptions, but the key difference is that while Pompeii's residents were tragically killed, no traces of victims have been found at Liyangan. This suggests that the ancient people of Liyangan had the wisdom to predict and avoid the disaster.

What was found at the Liyangan Site during excavations?

Excavations at the Liyangan Site uncovered a variety of structures, including temples, agricultural areas, and residential spaces. Artifacts such as metal objects, jars, and organic remains like wood and bamboo charcoal were also discovered, providing a comprehensive picture of ancient Javanese life.

How old is the Liyangan Site, and what is its historical context?

The Liyangan Site dates back as far as the 3rd century AD, predating the Roman Empire. It was likely used continuously through various periods, including the ancient Mataram kingdom, until the 11th century AD.

What local wisdom helped the inhabitants of Liyangan avoid the volcanic eruption?

The inhabitants of Liyangan possessed the wisdom to read natural signs and predict volcanic disasters. This allowed them to evacuate and avoid the tragic fate of Pompeii's residents, who were caught off guard by the eruption.

What unique feature of the Liyangan Site's temples stands out?

One of the unique features of the Liyangan Site's temples is the discovery of yonis made from multiple stones, which is very rare. These yonis have three holes, which is an unusual characteristic compared to other known yonis in the region.

What does the discovery of the 5-meter-wide road at Liyangan suggest?

The discovery of a 5-meter-wide road at Liyangan suggests that the site was much larger than previously thought, possibly stretching from the lower slopes of the mountain to the top. This road indicates a high level of urban planning and organization.

What historical inscriptions are associated with the Liyangan Site?

The Liyangan Site is associated with ancient inscriptions, including references to the Rukam Inscription from 907 AD, which mentions a village destroyed by volcanic eruption. Other inscriptions found near the site hint at the region's historical context, including terms like 'patapan' and 'kalumwayan.'

What role did the Liyangan Site play in ancient Javanese society?

The Liyangan Site likely served as a religious area, possibly a place for independent religious education, with accompanying settlements and agricultural land. It reflects a blend of Hindu-Buddhist influences alongside indigenous traditions.

How can the study of the Liyangan Site contribute to modern environmental awareness?

The study of the Liyangan Site highlights the importance of understanding and respecting nature. The ancient wisdom of reading natural signs to avoid disasters can inspire modern society to embrace local wisdom and adopt more sustainable practices in response to contemporary environmental challenges, such as global warming.