The Mythological Significance of the Bosnian Pyramids
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Transcript of The Mythological Significance of the Bosnian Pyramids
2nd
ICBP 2011 1
A Study by
Nenad Michael Djurdjević
Independent Researcher
2011
The Mythological Significance of the Bosnian Pyramids
2nd
ICBP 2011 2
ABSTRACT
In this paper, I investigate how mythology has influenced daily life and religious beliefs of some
Old European cultures, and how mythological features may have played a key role in the
construction of the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids.
I will examine whether the link between landscape features and mythological elements can
increase our understanding of pyramid architecture, and if such approach may give some
insight into the mythological significance and purpose of the Bosnian pyramids. I also will
suggest that a deeper understanding of Old European mythological beliefs could provide basis
for future research and may indicate a sense of direction in the analysis of what I call primordial
artifacts, i.e., artifacts closely related to the Old European primordial myth of creation.
I conclude that, among ancient pyramid builders, the concept of primordial pyramid indicates a
close relationship between natural (unconstructed) and artificial (constructed) features, and
that the ancient pyramid complex in Visoko replicates the key elements of a mythological
landscape:
- sacred mountains of earth and stone (primordial pyramids);
- meandrous underground labyrinths, water, and primordial artifacts lying within the
earth; and
- primordial forces linking them all together.
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Acknowledgements
First of all, I would like to share my appreciation for all the participants in the 2nd
International
Scientific Conference, Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids 2011, and for all those who made this
lecture possible.
I would like to thank my Bosnian friends and research assistants for encouraging me to pursue
my research, for providing invaluable assistance, and for motivating me to continue on my path
even when it was difficult.
I would like to thank Dr. Semir Osmanagić for this fantastic discovery, for his courage and
perseverance in the face of great opposition, and for making all of this possible.
I also would like to thank the project’s many opponents for instilling in me a fierce passion to
continue my research.
Thank you all for making this possible!
“The eyes of the Snake
very centre of the world
mythical water stream in
Marija Gimbutas, The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe
Goddess stare from the
and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images, p. 112
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Goddess stare from the
– a sphere with a
the centre.”
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Mythology of Old Europe: The Key to Understanding the Bosnian Pyramids
The perception of a cyclic universe driven by mystical forces was a fundamental element of Old
European culture. Unlike modern humans, people in the ancient world perceived the cosmos, the stars,
the earth, and life itself as parts of a whole. People were aware that the illusion of separateness
observed in the sky and on earth was an illusion, and that wholeness was the ultimate truth.
In Old Europe, people believed their myths as completely and absolutely as we believe in science. They
seem to have felt, in their cultures and in their times, that their myths were as true, as efficient
explanations and organizations of the universe, as we believe our scientific explanations to be. The
purpose of this paper is to use science to allow the mythological truth of the Bosnian pyramid complex
to emerge.
All of us are aware of ancient myths and their accompanying sacred symbolism, because these things
are part of the world we live in today. But when we study history, when we consciously and rationally
try to understand our past, many of us – even learned scholars – tend to discount myths.
We contrast myth and reality. The first is subjective, unreal, incomprehensible, a lie; the second is
objective, real, comprehensible, the truth. Such an attitude toward myth leads us to ignore or deny solid
evidence and prevents us from discovering reasonable answers to questions such as why pyramids
represent a worldwide phenomenon, or why the symbol of the Snake Goddess is found in almost in
every ancient pyramid-building civilization, for example, Egypt, Mesoamerica, China, Old Europe, etc.
Although Old European mythological elements can be found in other ancient cultures, the primeval
beliefs coming from Old European soils are far older than those found elsewhere, for instance in ancient
Mesopotamia, Egypt, or Greece. Because of their primeval character, the record of these Old European
mythological elements is generally limited, their origin shrouded in the mists of the past, and their
occult meanings poorly understood. Nevertheless, these universal symbols – the snake, the egg, the
Cross, the Madonna, and others – extend across the sea of time into present day folk art and profoundly
affect the religious life of European and other countries.
The most common sacred symbols found on diverse artifacts throughout Neolithic cultures that
inhabited Old Europe, such as Butmir, Vinča or Cucuteni-Trypillian, fall into two basic categories:
• those symbols associated with water and/or rain and the snake and/or the bird; and
• those symbols associated with the moon, the rotation of seasons, and the perpetuation of life
(fertility and regeneration).
The first category consists of symbols with simple parallel lines, V’s, zigzags, two-dimensional triangles,
and spirals. The second category includes the cross and the encircled cross, which symbolically connects
the four corners of the cosmos (or the world). Symbolic images related to water, and mythical creatures
considered to be the source of water and life, are dominant.
The Cosmic Cross and Four Cardinal Directions
In terms of Old European mythology, the feature of the cosmic cross
directions (N-S E-W), can be observed
Bosnian territory known as stećaks
Photo: Ancient stećak, Goduša, Visoko,
four cardinal directions (N-S E-W).
Note that: the cosmic cross generally
rotational cycles of our galaxy
noticed with the naked eye.
should be distinguished from magnetic north.
The Cosmic Cross and Four Cardinal Directions
Photo: Polychrome painted vase with
emerging from a bull’s horn,
normally associated with water and the
Cucuteni culture, 5th
millennium B
The cosmic cross, with its arms directed to the four
corners of the heavens
widespread symbol among Neolithic cultures of the
Balkan regions.
Six thousand years before the advent of Christianity
the cross expressed the belief that the year and
human existence is a journey
corners of the cosmos. The symbol
the continuance of the cosmic cycle, and the
continuity of earthly life and
In terms of Old European mythology, the feature of the cosmic cross, or
can be observed in both Bosnian pyramids and thousands of tombstones i
stećaks.
Ancient stećak, Goduša, Visoko, aligned to the
generally refers to the
of our galaxy, which can be
. Terrestrial north
magnetic north.
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ICBP 2011 6
: Polychrome painted vase with a fourfold symbol
and typical zigzag lines,
with water and the Snake Goddess;
millennium B.C.
with its arms directed to the four
corners of the heavens or the world, was a
widespread symbol among Neolithic cultures of the
before the advent of Christianity,
the cross expressed the belief that the year and
human existence is a journey throughout the four
corners of the cosmos. The symbol give assurance of
he continuance of the cosmic cycle, and the
and the afterlife.
or alignment to terrestrial
ds and thousands of tombstones in the
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The Primordial Egg, The Snake (Bird Goddess)
In Old Europe, the earliest primeval element of the universe was conceived as water, and the mythical
water snake and water bird were considered vehicles of an energy that had its source in water. The
presence of the Snake and Bird Goddess is felt everywhere – on earth and in the sky. Her home is
beyond the primordial waters, and the way leads through meandrous labyrinths, on Earth as in the
Heavens. She rules over the life-giving force of water. Her eyes stare from the very center of the world –
a mythical sphere with a primordial water stream in the center.
Photo: Monumental tripartite vessel with lid painted
with snake-spiral symbolism, Cucuteni culture, 5th
millennium B.C. Its original purpose is still unknown
today.
In Old European mythology and many artifacts
unearthed throughout the Balkan peninsula, the
Snake Goddess and the Bird Goddess appear as
separate deities and also as a single deity. Their
functions are so closely related that it is virtually
impossible to treat them separately. The
Goddess of air and water is at one time a snake,
at one time a bird, and at another time both.
According to Marija Gimbutas, the combination
of the water bird and the water snake represents
divine ambivalence and is a peculiarity of Old
European symbolism.
According to myth, the primordial egg was
created by the cosmic snake, and from the egg
gods have arisen:
"In the beginning all was water. From the
water emerged a cosmic snake with a horned
head. The snake (or the bull or the giant)
created the cosmic egg…"
Abstract paintings on cult vessels of Old
European cultures reveal the formation of the world and the beginning of life from an egg in the midst
of which a germ resided. The egg is enveloped in water, usually depicted by parallel lines, the symbol of
life energy, while the snake winds around the primordial egg.
The primordial egg is a mythological motif known in many creation myths throughout the ancient world,
and it was an omnipresent symbol in Old European cultures. Abstract paintings on vessels of Old
European cultures tell the story of the formation of the world and the beginning of life from an egg in
the midst of which a germ resided. The egg is enveloped in water – usually depicted by parallel lines, the
symbol of life energy – while the snake winds around the primordial egg. It was believed that in the
beginning the egg was laid on the primordial waters of the cosmos and that gods came into existence by
hatching from the egg.
Votive Pyramids of Old Europe
Photo: Tisza clay altar with decorations on each of the four sides. The front side
into two realms and displays a labyrinthine patt
two-dimensional triangle; Tisza culture, Kökénydomb, Hódmezövásárhely, southeastern
B.C.
of Old Europe: Primeval Mounds of Creation
: Tisza clay altar with decorations on each of the four sides. The front side of the votive pyramid
into two realms and displays a labyrinthine pattern: stairs. At the bottom, the Snake Goddess’ face emerges from a
Tisza culture, Kökénydomb, Hódmezövásárhely, southeastern
Photo: Votive pyramid un
Donje Moštre, Visoko, Bosnia and
Herzegovina; 5
(Credits DAI)
The votive pyramid is
with a
dimensional triangles)
related both
Snake Goddess
parallel lines
flowing waters or may
ascension.
All of these
symbolical
underground labyrinth Ravne,
with its meandrous draining
channels filled with water,
primordial artifacts
ascensional energetic field
the pyramids
by Dr. Harr
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ICBP 2011 8
of the votive pyramid is divided
oddess’ face emerges from a
Tisza culture, Kökénydomb, Hódmezövásárhely, southeastern Hungary, 5th
millenium
otive pyramid unearthed in
onje Moštre, Visoko, Bosnia and
Herzegovina; 5th
millennium B.C.
(Credits DAI).
The votive pyramid is inscribed
zigzag motif (two-
dimensional triangles) - a symbol
both to water - and to the
Snake Goddess - and vertical
parallel lines, which may refer to
flowing waters or may symbolize
ascension.
these inscriptions may be
symbolically associated with the
underground labyrinth Ravne,
with its meandrous draining
channels filled with water,
primordial artifacts and
ascensional energetic fields of
the pyramids discovered in 2007
arry Oldfield.
Photo: Votive pyramid discovered in the
village of Slatino, Bulgaria, Gradeshnitsa
Slatino-Dikilitash Culture, approx. 4800
BC (Credits F-MU.S.EU.M.)
The Gradeshnitsa culture was an
intrinsic part of Old European
civilization. This became particularly
evident after the decoding of the
Thracian pictographic text, present
on the world-famous votive tablet
from Gradeshnitsa. Among the
diverse artifacts discovered in the
village of Slatino, Bulgaria, is a votive
pyramid. This artifact demonstrates
that the concept of the “primeval
mound" was not an isolated one in
Old European cultures.
The famous Bulgarian archaeologist Bogdan Nikol
sites, made the following, almost prophetic
Settlements:
The prehistoric settlements of the Gradeshnitsa type belong to a common South
Complex. The settlements of the old, the late and the early C
light to the problem areas of the prehistoric past, not only on the Balkans and the South
European subcontinent, but also to the pre
trigger great interest among the most serious
bring due corrections to the existing hypotheses and opinions, and thus, will inevitably lead to new more
sound conclusions.
(Bogdan Nikolov – The Gradeshnitsa Pr
The votive pyramid found in the village of Slatino, like other Old European votive pyramids, is made of
brown-reddish clay with some mineral adulterants. It is decorated on four sides. The upper small base is
inscribed with signs: incised lines and points. It has the form of a hollow truncated pyramid, exactly like
the votive pyramid found in Visoko and the Tisza altar found in Hungary.
In ancient Egyptian religion the offerings set out upon the altars for gods and ancestors were
cones of baked clay with a religious sentence stamped on the base, or a
inscription on each of the four sides
resemblance between the words
referring to human construction in pyramid cultures was the metaphor of the hill.
The preliminary conclusion that can be draw
primeval mound expressed through artifacts may have spread from Visoko all over Old Europe. It means
that the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids may have been a
inspirational center of primary importance to Old European cultures.
Votive pyramid discovered in the
village of Slatino, Bulgaria, Gradeshnitsa-
Dikilitash Culture, approx. 4800
was an
ld European
his became particularly
evident after the decoding of the
Thracian pictographic text, present
votive tablet
Among the
discovered in the
a votive
pyramid. This artifact demonstrates
“primeval
ound" was not an isolated one in
The famous Bulgarian archaeologist Bogdan Nikolov, who spent a lifetime working
sites, made the following, almost prophetic, statement in his book, The Grade
The prehistoric settlements of the Gradeshnitsa type belong to a common South
he old, the late and the early Chalcolithic period at Gradeshnitsa
light to the problem areas of the prehistoric past, not only on the Balkans and the South
European subcontinent, but also to the pre-historic period in West Asia Minor. Undoubtedly, they will
trigger great interest among the most serious scientific circles and will raise new questions, as well as
bring due corrections to the existing hypotheses and opinions, and thus, will inevitably lead to new more
The Gradeshnitsa Prehistoric Settlements, Science and Art Press, Sofia, 1974)
The votive pyramid found in the village of Slatino, like other Old European votive pyramids, is made of
reddish clay with some mineral adulterants. It is decorated on four sides. The upper small base is
incised lines and points. It has the form of a hollow truncated pyramid, exactly like
the votive pyramid found in Visoko and the Tisza altar found in Hungary.
In ancient Egyptian religion the offerings set out upon the altars for gods and ancestors were
cones of baked clay with a religious sentence stamped on the base, or a small stone pyramid with an
inscription on each of the four sides. The votive symbolized a gift. Interestingly, there is a close
resemblance between the words TEI, a "gift," and TAU, a "hill." And one of the most important idioms
referring to human construction in pyramid cultures was the metaphor of the hill.
The preliminary conclusion that can be drawn is that the idea, tradition, and religious concept of
ed through artifacts may have spread from Visoko all over Old Europe. It means
that the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids may have been a truly unique
center of primary importance to Old European cultures.
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ICBP 2011 9
lifetime working on the Gradeshnitsa
The Gradeshnitsa Prehistoric
The prehistoric settlements of the Gradeshnitsa type belong to a common South-Eastern European
halcolithic period at Gradeshnitsa bring new
light to the problem areas of the prehistoric past, not only on the Balkans and the South-Eastern
historic period in West Asia Minor. Undoubtedly, they will
scientific circles and will raise new questions, as well as
bring due corrections to the existing hypotheses and opinions, and thus, will inevitably lead to new more
d Art Press, Sofia, 1974)
The votive pyramid found in the village of Slatino, like other Old European votive pyramids, is made of
reddish clay with some mineral adulterants. It is decorated on four sides. The upper small base is
incised lines and points. It has the form of a hollow truncated pyramid, exactly like
In ancient Egyptian religion the offerings set out upon the altars for gods and ancestors were often
small stone pyramid with an
The votive symbolized a gift. Interestingly, there is a close
And one of the most important idioms
referring to human construction in pyramid cultures was the metaphor of the hill.
and religious concept of
ed through artifacts may have spread from Visoko all over Old Europe. It means
truly unique religious, cultural and
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ICBP 2011 10
The Primordial Pyramid and Mythological Landscape
Over the past two hundred years throughout the modern world, scientists have attempted to see
human life as an entirely rational affair, and have turned to reason to organize human experience. The
result has been an insistence that our understanding of the universe and of human experience is more
real, more true than that of all human beings before us. Such an attitude has been responsible for many
of the problems experts have encountered during the analysis of geological and artificial features, as
well as specifically during scientific analyses of the artifacts and monuments of the Bosnian pyramids.
Many of the project's opponents have disputed from the beginning the very existence of the Bosnian
pyramids, claiming that the great structures of the Visoko valley are "natural" rather than constructed,
and therefore that the entire archaeological project is a "hoax." They have pretended to use science to
make their claims, but in general this science was performed with an agenda from behind a keyboard,
not open-mindedly out in the field.
It is quite interesting to note that some scientists cannot come to terms with the fact that natural
elements such as soil and stone may have value in pyramid construction. To these scientists, artificial in
pyramids is often merely reduced to "a wall built with stone blocks." Modern scientists continue to insist
on separating what for ancient pyramid builders was impossible to separate: the natural and the
artificial.
The archaeological record has shown that in many ancient cultures the construction of sacred
mountains incorporated substantial mass from natural hills, a highly efficient building method. Because
in pyramid cultures the most important metaphor in human construction was the hill, the primordial
pyramid should not be understood as simply a cultural design or mental template imposed upon a
natural landscape or existing natural landmark, but rather as the acknowledgment of a necessary
relationship between natural and artificial forms.
A polarized debate over natural features versus man-made is both unnecessary and self-defeating.
The pyramid builders of the Visoko valley gave great importance to the natural landscape. Surrounded
by earthen hills, stone, natural caves, and water, they must have attributed to the landscape enormous
power and deep meaning. Archaeological records from Mesoamerican sites show many examples of
pyramids built by the methods of enlarging and partially terracing natural hills. The El Duende pyramid
in Guatemala is one of many pyramids giving the impression of a single massive structure, and in which
the close relationship between natural and constructed forms is evident.
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Traces of primordial mythology in the historical record of Visoko:
- King Tvrtko's Emblem
Once a major Neolithic settlement belonging to the
Butmir culture, historical Visoko (Visoki) became the
capital of King Tvrtko's medieval Bosnian state and the
spiritual centre of the controversial Bosnian Church. The
shield and coat of arms of Bosnian King Tvrtko I
Kotromanić (1353 – 1391), once kept in the fortress
Visoki and today in the Franciscan Monastery in Kraljeva
Sutjeska, is adorned with occult and ritual symbols. Each
of the symbols has an occult meaning and purpose. These
symbols have survived the millennia and can still be
found depicted on King Tvrtko's emblem.
Preliminary examination and analysis of the emblem
made by co-researcher Mrs. Gabriele Lukacs suggest that
the emblem resembles the topography of the Bosnian
Valley of the Pyramids. According to Mrs. Lukacs, the
shield is composed of the sun (star), the crescent moon and crowned dragon (snake) bringing love
(holding a heart in its beak?). According to Mrs. Lukacs, the geometric pattern of the emblem is a
representation of the pattern formed by the Bosnian pyramids. The snake's body correctly represents
the topographical flow of the Fojnica river.
I believe that a deeper analysis of these symbols will reveal that they are closely related to the Old
European myth of creation, and that such an analysis may reveal more clues about the Bosnian
pyramidal complex and its intended functions. A supplementary analysis of Bosnian folklore and
archaeological artifacts of the Visoko valley will be useful in this arena.
It is evident at first sight that the creature depicted in the middle of the emblem is the representation of
the mythical Snake or Bird Goddess. In fact, it is a typical combination of both: a creature with the body
of a snake and the head and beak of a bird, forming a single deity: a dragon. The goddess is adorned
with symbols related to rituals of water (the flowing rivers of life), creation, fertility, protection and
wisdom. This figure is the primeval serpent who ruled the world and who holds the primeval egg in his
beak, rather than a heart (A heart would have been out of context.) According to ancient myth, the
horned snake created the cosmic egg, and the egg split in two, and from the upper part came the sky,
and from the lower part came the earth. The Snake Goddess wears horns of consecration, related to bull
symbolism, and the Fleur de Lys crown, a flower symbol associated with King Tvrtko.
Another symbol depicted on the emblem, also related to bull symbolism, is a crescent moon,
representing the bull's horns. Hundreds of artifacts on which the "horned snake goddess" is depicted
appeared in the early Vinča culture near Belgrade, as well in other areas of the Balkan peninsula. Marija
Gimbutas link the goddess to lunar cycles and suggest her kinship with earlier female deities.
Finally, the star symbol on the left side of the Snake Goddess may represent the star Aldebaran, as
suggested by Hungarian mathematical engineer Dénes Joó. According to Joó, the pyramid complex in
Visoko is a reflection, the inverse projection, of the star grouping Hyades, inside the constellation
Taurus. Supplemental analysis is presented in the addendum of this paper.
- The Ban Kulin's Plate and Myth of Fertility
Photo: Ban Kulin’s plate, kept in the Visoko
Ban Kulin was a powerful Bosnian Ban who ruled from 1180 to 1204 first as a vassal of the Byzantine
Empire and then of the Kingdom of Hungary. Many consider him the father of the Bosnian State. He
practiced a policy of religious freedom almost unique for his time.
Bosnia's golden age, and he is a common hero of Bosnian national folk tales.
The most famous folk tale says that he was "a favorite of the fairies", so that during his rule "plum trees
always groaned with fruit and the yellow corn fields never ceased to wave in the fertile plains."
Curiously, Ban Kulin's plate, found in Biskupići near Visoko, is depicted with
mentioned at the beginning of this paper, in Neolithic communities of Old Europe the encircled cross
was adopted as the symbol of fertility. Hundreds of dishes, bowls, vases and other artifacts dating back
to 6000 BC have cross and cosmic snake designs. The consistent appearance of these ideograms
suggests that they were thought to be necessary to promote the recurrent birth and growth of plant,
animal, and human life. Life is present only wher
nature is not obstructed by the forces of death, as during Ban Kulin's rule.
Recent research has shown that in Visoko, on and around the pyramids gr
plant species not found elsewhere in Bosnia. It's yet another
the service of a larger truth.
's Plate and Myth of Fertility
the Visoko Homeland Museum, depicted with e 6 encircled crosses
was a powerful Bosnian Ban who ruled from 1180 to 1204 first as a vassal of the Byzantine
Empire and then of the Kingdom of Hungary. Many consider him the father of the Bosnian State. He
practiced a policy of religious freedom almost unique for his time. His rule is often remembered as
Bosnia's golden age, and he is a common hero of Bosnian national folk tales.
that he was "a favorite of the fairies", so that during his rule "plum trees
always groaned with fruit and the yellow corn fields never ceased to wave in the fertile plains."
ulin's plate, found in Biskupići near Visoko, is depicted with several encircled crosses. As
mentioned at the beginning of this paper, in Neolithic communities of Old Europe the encircled cross
was adopted as the symbol of fertility. Hundreds of dishes, bowls, vases and other artifacts dating back
s and cosmic snake designs. The consistent appearance of these ideograms
suggests that they were thought to be necessary to promote the recurrent birth and growth of plant,
animal, and human life. Life is present only where there is no stagnation and
nature is not obstructed by the forces of death, as during Ban Kulin's rule.
Recent research has shown that in Visoko, on and around the pyramids grow medicinal and aromatic
not found elsewhere in Bosnia. It's yet another beautiful example how in Bosnia
2nd
ICBP 2011 12
ncircled crosses
was a powerful Bosnian Ban who ruled from 1180 to 1204 first as a vassal of the Byzantine
Empire and then of the Kingdom of Hungary. Many consider him the father of the Bosnian State. He
His rule is often remembered as
that he was "a favorite of the fairies", so that during his rule "plum trees
always groaned with fruit and the yellow corn fields never ceased to wave in the fertile plains."
several encircled crosses. As
mentioned at the beginning of this paper, in Neolithic communities of Old Europe the encircled cross
was adopted as the symbol of fertility. Hundreds of dishes, bowls, vases and other artifacts dating back
s and cosmic snake designs. The consistent appearance of these ideograms
suggests that they were thought to be necessary to promote the recurrent birth and growth of plant,
where the regularity of
ow medicinal and aromatic
ample how in Bosnia, myth is in
- The Legend of the Tiny Eggshell An old legend from Visoko says that, shortly after the Ottoman conquest, the Turks were told by an old
lady who lived at the foot of Visočica
under Visočica there's "something mysterious wrapped by two shells", that one part is made of earth
and irrigated by the waters, while the other part is an "eggshell", thin and fragile. The o
warned the Turks that the eggshell should not become damaged or destroyed, because a great disaster
may occur in the valley. The legend concludes that the Turks were so scared of the story that they
preferred staying far away from Visoko, and they
Another interesting testimony comes from Hrvoje Zuijć, a co
daughter of an owner of a piece of land on the southern side of the Pyramid of the Sun. The woman told
him that her ancestors were obliged by their ancestors never to sell this land, because Visočica keeps a
secret. The women told him that once she inherits this land, she will not sell it and that she will ask her
children to do the same. According to the w
by many snakes which will not let unwanted visitors harm the sanctity of that place. At that time Hrvoje
Zujić still doubted the existence of an underground river below the pyramid and valley, but r
discoveries of channels containing water inside the Ravne underground labyrinth indeed suggest that
the myth may be true.
evidence suggests that mythological features
landscape at a variety of scales.
such a deep mystery, by suggesting that the
elements of a mythological landscape: mountains of earth and stone, meandrous underground
labyrinths, water and primordial artifacts,
The Legend of the Tiny Eggshell
An old legend from Visoko says that, shortly after the Ottoman conquest, the Turks were told by an old
lady who lived at the foot of Visočica that the place keeps a big secret. The old women also said that
under Visočica there's "something mysterious wrapped by two shells", that one part is made of earth
and irrigated by the waters, while the other part is an "eggshell", thin and fragile. The o
warned the Turks that the eggshell should not become damaged or destroyed, because a great disaster
may occur in the valley. The legend concludes that the Turks were so scared of the story that they
away from Visoko, and they proceeded on to the towns of Travnik and Jajce.
Another interesting testimony comes from Hrvoje Zuijć, a co-researcher from Croatia, who talked to the
daughter of an owner of a piece of land on the southern side of the Pyramid of the Sun. The woman told
him that her ancestors were obliged by their ancestors never to sell this land, because Visočica keeps a
secret. The women told him that once she inherits this land, she will not sell it and that she will ask her
children to do the same. According to the woman, the entrance into the Pyramid of the Sun is guarded
by many snakes which will not let unwanted visitors harm the sanctity of that place. At that time Hrvoje
Zujić still doubted the existence of an underground river below the pyramid and valley, but r
discoveries of channels containing water inside the Ravne underground labyrinth indeed suggest that
Photo: Water channel recently
Visoko
As previously mentioned, in Old Europe the
primeval element of the universe was conceived as
water, and the mythical water snake was
considered the vehicle of an energy which has its
source in water. It is said that
beyond these waters, and the way goes through
"meandrous labyrinths", and that she rules over
the life-giving force of water, while her eyes stare
from the very "center of the world"
sphere with the primordial water stream in the
center.
The similarities between the primordia
legends, and archaeological evidence
and it is difficult to believe that it is
coincidental. These similarities
construction of the pyramid complex
have been inspired and informed by
myth of creation.
Although advancing such hypothesis
unconventional, the historical and
that mythological features may have played a key role in the transformation
. Such hypothesis, however, will confront the scientific community with
such a deep mystery, by suggesting that the ancient pyramid complex in Visoko replicates t
landscape: mountains of earth and stone, meandrous underground
, water and primordial artifacts, and primordial forces linking them all together.
2nd
ICBP 2011 13
An old legend from Visoko says that, shortly after the Ottoman conquest, the Turks were told by an old
that the place keeps a big secret. The old women also said that
under Visočica there's "something mysterious wrapped by two shells", that one part is made of earth
and irrigated by the waters, while the other part is an "eggshell", thin and fragile. The old women
warned the Turks that the eggshell should not become damaged or destroyed, because a great disaster
may occur in the valley. The legend concludes that the Turks were so scared of the story that they
proceeded on to the towns of Travnik and Jajce.
researcher from Croatia, who talked to the
daughter of an owner of a piece of land on the southern side of the Pyramid of the Sun. The woman told
him that her ancestors were obliged by their ancestors never to sell this land, because Visočica keeps a
secret. The women told him that once she inherits this land, she will not sell it and that she will ask her
oman, the entrance into the Pyramid of the Sun is guarded
by many snakes which will not let unwanted visitors harm the sanctity of that place. At that time Hrvoje
Zujić still doubted the existence of an underground river below the pyramid and valley, but recent
discoveries of channels containing water inside the Ravne underground labyrinth indeed suggest that
recently discovered in Ravne,
As previously mentioned, in Old Europe the
primeval element of the universe was conceived as
water, and the mythical water snake was
considered the vehicle of an energy which has its
source in water. It is said that "her home" is
beyond these waters, and the way goes through
, and that she rules over
giving force of water, while her eyes stare
"center of the world" – a mythical
sphere with the primordial water stream in the
the primordial myth, local
and archaeological evidence is striking,
it is difficult to believe that it is just
These similarities suggest that the
pyramid complex in Visoko may
and informed by the primordial
dvancing such hypothesis may appear
historical and archaeological
in the transformation of the
Such hypothesis, however, will confront the scientific community with
ancient pyramid complex in Visoko replicates the key
landscape: mountains of earth and stone, meandrous underground
and primordial forces linking them all together.
2nd
ICBP 2011 14
Photo: Partially submerged draining channel,
Ravne maze, Visoko, BiH
Water is the primordial element that
underlies creation myths in almost
every ancient culture. Egyptian, Assyro-
Babylonian and Hindu myths tell us that
all human beings, gods and man, arose
from the primordial ocean.
At the beginning of the Judeo-Christian
story of creation, the spirit of God is
described as stirring above the waters,
and a few lines later, and then God
creates a firmament in the midst of the
waters to divide the waters. In the Koran
we find the words:
We have created every living thing from water.
Rivers, streams, springs and wells were
perceived by ancient cultures as the
dwelling place of supernatural beings. In
some cases streams or wells were
oracular and it was firmly believed that
water was inhabited by spirits, and that
these spirits could act as an intermediate
between the living and the spiritual
world.
Water was one of the key elements that
together with hills and caves jointly
ordered the Maya world. The
underground world of Mayan pyramid
complexes is characterized by the
presence of underground rivers, streams,
and lakes, a realm believed to be
inhabited by powerful supernatural beings.
Photo: Small underground lake, Ravne, Visoko, BiH
Water divinities of various kinds appear in the mythologies of many cultures, and not surprisingly the
Great Snake Goddess is found in Old European mythology. This is the great serpent who is the owner of
the night, the deity that swallows all the water in the world, becoming sometimes an unfriendly spirit
that lifts up columns of dust several hundred meters in height, the dragon that mounts on high,
becomes tall, vast, gigantic. She is the mythical water snake, an “energy” which has its source in water.
Her home is beyond these waters, and the way goes through meandrous labyrinths, while her eyes stare
from the very center of the world – a mythical sphere with the primordial water stream in the center.
- Primordial Artifacts
Photo: Egg-shaped monolith and triangular stone
From human prehistory onward, one of the objects that has always
The egg is associated with the primordial condition, creation, birth, fertility, rebirth, regeneration
(karma), and, according to the primordial myth, the egg contains the seed of all life. In many ancient
cultures around the world it is said that the
has been referred to as the "Cosmic Egg."
Primordial Artifacts
shaped monolith and triangular stones found in the Ravne maze, Visoko, BiH
From human prehistory onward, one of the objects that has always had a profound meaning is the
The egg is associated with the primordial condition, creation, birth, fertility, rebirth, regeneration
(karma), and, according to the primordial myth, the egg contains the seed of all life. In many ancient
cultures around the world it is said that the earth being hatched from a primeval egg, and therefore it
has been referred to as the "Cosmic Egg."
Photo: Egg-shaped stone depicted with a labyrinth motif,
Lepenski Vir, Serbia.
Neolithic burial jars of Old European cultures were
shaped, while clay eggs were often buried with the dead,
symbolizing the regenerative power of the Great Goddess.
primary symbolism of Old European burials focuses on the tomb
as the womb for the regeneration of life.
Triangular stones were also considered symbols of regeneration
and they inspired the shapes of Old European burial sites
burial site of Lepenski Vir on the Serbian bank of the Danube,
more than fifty reddish limestone foundations of triangular
structures were found that appear to have been used for
death/regeneration rituals. In each case, the entrance was lined with
stones which led to a central hearth surrounded by triangular stones.
2nd
ICBP 2011 15
Ravne maze, Visoko, BiH
had a profound meaning is the egg.
The egg is associated with the primordial condition, creation, birth, fertility, rebirth, regeneration
(karma), and, according to the primordial myth, the egg contains the seed of all life. In many ancient
earth being hatched from a primeval egg, and therefore it
labyrinth motif, 6500-5500 B.C.,
burial jars of Old European cultures were often egg-
while clay eggs were often buried with the dead,
of the Great Goddess. The
primary symbolism of Old European burials focuses on the tomb
as the womb for the regeneration of life.
considered symbols of regeneration,
e shapes of Old European burial sites. At the
burial site of Lepenski Vir on the Serbian bank of the Danube,
more than fifty reddish limestone foundations of triangular
t appear to have been used for
death/regeneration rituals. In each case, the entrance was lined with
stones which led to a central hearth surrounded by triangular stones.
2nd
ICBP 2011 16
There are many rock burial markers with egg- or womb-shaped carvings in Old Europe and some other
Mediterranean areas. These womb carvings contain skeletons wrapped in different materials in fetal
position. The most common symbols associated with these wombs are triangles, spirals, and concentric
circles and the use of red ochre accompanying these feminine sculptures were also snake/ bird masks
and sometimes uterine symbols. The grave-as-womb was seen as a purifying chamber, a transformation
cocoon between two worlds.
And here, once again, the local legend of ‘The Tiny Egg-Shell’ pop into one’s mind:
Under Visočica there's something mysterious wrapped by two shells, that one part is made of earth, and
irrigated by the waters, while the other part is an eggshell, thin and fragile. The eggshell should not
become damaged or destroyed, because a great disaster may occur in the valley.
- The Old European
The Old European Sacred Script
Photo: K-1 monolith with primeval inscriptions;
detail, Ravne underground labyrinth, Visoko
(Credit: Daniel Pach)
In recent years, interest has been renewed
in incised script-like signs, now referred to
as "Old European Script," also known as
Vinča Script (6000-5000 B.C.).
Although evidence of these signs had
existed since the late 19th century, it was
the discovery of tablets at a nearby site in
Tartaria, Romania in 1964 that created a
lot of controversy regarding both the origin
and chronology of the signs.
The first category of symbols of the “Sacred
Script," as Marija Gimbutas named it,
consists of symbols with s
lines, V’s, zigzags, two
triangles and spirals; the second category
includes the encircled cross, which
symbolically connects the four corners of
the cosmos or the world. However,
symbolic images related to water and
mythical creatures considered to be the
source of water and life are dominant.
According to Gimbutas, in ancient times
these signs belonged to both the practical
and religious spheres and are usually found
on stones, ritual vessels, altars, and small
tables, plaques, and intriguingly, small
anthropomorphic sculptures.
2nd
ICBP 2011 17
lith with primeval inscriptions;
, Ravne underground labyrinth, Visoko
In recent years, interest has been renewed
like signs, now referred to
as "Old European Script," also known as
5000 B.C.).
Although evidence of these signs had
existed since the late 19th century, it was
of tablets at a nearby site in
Tartaria, Romania in 1964 that created a
lot of controversy regarding both the origin
and chronology of the signs.
The first category of symbols of the “Sacred
Script," as Marija Gimbutas named it,
consists of symbols with simple parallel
lines, V’s, zigzags, two-dimensional
triangles and spirals; the second category
includes the encircled cross, which
symbolically connects the four corners of
the cosmos or the world. However,
symbolic images related to water and
atures considered to be the
source of water and life are dominant.
According to Gimbutas, in ancient times
these signs belonged to both the practical
and religious spheres and are usually found
on stones, ritual vessels, altars, and small
s, and intriguingly, small
anthropomorphic sculptures.
Conclusions
A variety of historical and archaeological evidence
represents an ideational landscape with key elements
- sacred mountains of earth and stone (primordi
- meandrous underground labyrinths
- primordial forces linking them all together.
The concept of the primordial pyramid suggests a close relationship between natural (unconstructed)
and artificial (constructed) features. Although transforming natural elevations into pyramids may have
required less material and labor, pyramid architectur
that they become dominant factors in the architectural conception and creation of the Bosnian
pyramids. Like any other culture that has built pyramids, the pyramid builders of the Visoko valley
venerated mountains, hills, caves, and water, and unlike modern scientists, they believed that earth,
stone, plants, and animals were sacred.
The underground tunnel network, Ravne, is characterized by meandrous labyrinths, drainage channels
containing water, underground lakes, primordial artifacts such as egg
shaped and triangular stones, and primeval inscriptions. All these may be linked to ancient water cults,
cults of fertility, regeneration rituals, and powerful supernatural domains.
The latest research on the monoliths unearthed in
they could be artificial creations made of clay and ceramic. They seem to be composed of two parts, a
base and a lid, and may contain something inside.
Photos: Laboratory analysis has shown that the eight
is an artificial ceramic sculpture made of two parts, a base and a lid; geo
suggested it may contain another object.
archaeological evidence suggests that the pyramid complex in Visoko
ideational landscape with key elements referring to the Old European myth of creation
ns of earth and stone (primordial pyramid);
underground labyrinths, water, and primordial artifacts lying within the earth
linking them all together.
The concept of the primordial pyramid suggests a close relationship between natural (unconstructed)
and artificial (constructed) features. Although transforming natural elevations into pyramids may have
required less material and labor, pyramid architecture and mythological beliefs are so closely related
that they become dominant factors in the architectural conception and creation of the Bosnian
pyramids. Like any other culture that has built pyramids, the pyramid builders of the Visoko valley
untains, hills, caves, and water, and unlike modern scientists, they believed that earth,
stone, plants, and animals were sacred.
The underground tunnel network, Ravne, is characterized by meandrous labyrinths, drainage channels
ound lakes, primordial artifacts such as egg- or womb-
shaped and triangular stones, and primeval inscriptions. All these may be linked to ancient water cults,
cults of fertility, regeneration rituals, and powerful supernatural domains.
The latest research on the monoliths unearthed in the Ravne underground labyrinth has suggested that
they could be artificial creations made of clay and ceramic. They seem to be composed of two parts, a
base and a lid, and may contain something inside.
: Laboratory analysis has shown that the eight-ton K-2 megalith, previously believed to be of natural origin,
is an artificial ceramic sculpture made of two parts, a base and a lid; geo-radar inspection of megalith K
object.
2nd
ICBP 2011 18
pyramid complex in Visoko
European myth of creation:
lying within the earth; and
The concept of the primordial pyramid suggests a close relationship between natural (unconstructed)
and artificial (constructed) features. Although transforming natural elevations into pyramids may have
e and mythological beliefs are so closely related
that they become dominant factors in the architectural conception and creation of the Bosnian
pyramids. Like any other culture that has built pyramids, the pyramid builders of the Visoko valley
untains, hills, caves, and water, and unlike modern scientists, they believed that earth,
The underground tunnel network, Ravne, is characterized by meandrous labyrinths, drainage channels
- shaped monoliths, leaf-
shaped and triangular stones, and primeval inscriptions. All these may be linked to ancient water cults,
the Ravne underground labyrinth has suggested that
they could be artificial creations made of clay and ceramic. They seem to be composed of two parts, a
2 megalith, previously believed to be of natural origin,
radar inspection of megalith K-2 has
2nd
ICBP 2011 19
The architectural layout and construction of the underground tunnel network seems to have been
inspired by the Old European myth of creation related to the Snake Goddess, sometimes also known by
the name "The Mistress of the Labyrinth." Mythological narrative explains that in the center of the spiral
labyrinth a creature waits, who is kin to the Goddess. Thus Ravne symbolizes the palace or cult place
where the goddess abides. The recent discovery of unusual claw marks on the walls inside the
underground labyrinth is an evocative clue in this mythological mystery.
Photo: Pottery fragment depicted
with snake-spiral motif (approx.
5000 B.C.), Okolište, Visoko, Bosnia
and Herzegovina
Artifacts such as water
containers and religious objects
belonging to the Butmir culture
are characterized by band-
painted and - incised
ornamental motifs. Spirals, rising
snake-spirals, zigzags, and two-
dimensional triangles are
dominant motifs.
Unfortunately, most of the
museums in Bosnia still remain
unreconstructed, leaving a large number of collections and thousands of artifacts unearthed in the area
of Visoko (Okolište, Donje Moštre, Zbilje and Kralupi etc.) unexhibited due to the lack of gallery space.
Lithuanian archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, who, with Alojz Benac excavated several Butmir sites, studied
for over thirty years the symbols and religious beliefs of Old European cultures. Gimbutas possessed a
tremendous linguistic expertise, and her ability to read sixteen European languages enabled her to study
virtually all of the archaeological literature. Her work has been misunderstood by many and was in large
part dismissed by the remaining orthodox archaeologists (almost all of whom are male), claiming that
her work was all speculation. It may never have occurred to these men that the archaeology they have
been preaching could also be reduced to mere speculation. These mostly male archaeologists must have
felt particularly irritated by Marija’s tendency to present prehistoric societies as peaceful, egalitarian
matriarchies, in counterpoint to the modern world's less peaceful, less egalitarian patriarchies.
But thanks to Gimbutas’ work, and thanks to Dr. Osmanagić’s monumental discovery, politically oriented
archaeologists and project opponents risk missing yet another great history-making event. In this very
moment, the project of the Bosnian valley of the pyramids is taking giant steps forward in understanding
the pyramids and their attendant structures: tunnel networks, temples, artifacts, and sacred writings.
As the research continues, it becomes almost impossible to look at the architecture of the pyramids and
tunnels without seeing the ancient sacred beliefs that underpin them. Undoubtedly, the pyramid
complex is myth made manifest, the cosmic principle of creation in stone. In Visoko, the realm of the
Snake Goddess, traced by the sun’s orbit, has survived thousands of years. The sun, when it goes down
in the west, reaches the hidden fountain of life and at sunrise is reborn in the east. The divinity lives
2nd
ICBP 2011 20
above the heavenly waters and deep within the Earth. Her eyes stare from the very center of the world
where the seeds of creation reside, and through which the soul, like the sun, must pass for resurrection.
The majestic pyramids of Visoko symbolize the mythological "Sacred Mountains," which emerged huge
and imposing from the primordial ocean at the beginning of time. The pyramids, the underground
labyrinth, and the primordial artifacts are all key elements of a mythic narrative of the cosmic principle
of creation and re-creation, a narrative promising fertility, rejuvenation, and abundance.
One question remains, and that is whether or not the Old European cultures that inspired the
construction of the Bosnian pyramids were inspired by an even older civilization. May we all live long
enough to find the answer to that question.
Thank you.
2nd
ICBP 2011 21
Bibliography, References and Sources:
1974 Gimbutas, Marija. “The Gods and Goddesses 7000 – 3500 BC.”
University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles, California
Thames and Hudson LTD, London
1994 Buffie Johnson “”Lady of the beasts: the Goddess and her sacred animals”
Inner Traditions Interntional, Rochester, Vermont, USA
Originally published: San Francisco: Harper & Row, c1988.
1999 Wendy Ashmore and A. Bernard Knapp “Archaeologies of Landscape”
Blackwell Publishers Inc., Malden, Massachussetts, USA
Blackwell Publishers Ltd, Oxfrod, UK
1999 Susan Milbrath “Star Gods of the Maya” Astronomy in Art, Folklore, and Calendars
University of Texas Press
www.utexas.edu/utpress/books/milsta.html
2001 Gimbutas, Marija. “The living goddesses.”
University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles, California
University of California Press, LTD. , London, England
2002 Lynn V. Foster “Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World”
Facts on File, Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA
Oxford University Press, Inc.
2nd
ICBP 2011 22
2007 Gerald Massey “Ancient Egypt The Light of the World”
Cosimo, Inc., New York, NY, USA
Ancient Egypt was was originally published in 1907
2008 Römisch Germanische Kommision
Okolište und Umgebung (Bosnien-Herzegovina), Rekonstruktion spätneolithischer Siedlungsprozesse in
Visoko-Becken
2008 Arch. Dénes Joó “Cosmic Connections of the Pyramid Complexes”
1st
ICBP 2008 Conference Paper “Mapping at Visoko”
Budapest, Hungary
2008 Gabriela Lukcas, Mg. rer.soc.oec., graduate Vienna University, Austria
“ The Pyramids of the Bosnian Dragon”
www.european-pyramids.eu
2009 Eng. Hrvoje Zujić “Bosnian Pyramids”
Osijek, Croatia
2010 Dr. Sci. Semir Osmanagić “Podzemni Labirint Ravne – Novi Elementi”
www.piramidasunca.ba
• Institute of Transcendent Science: www.institutet-science.com/en/inste.php
• F-MU.S.EU.M. www.europeanvirtualmuseum.net/
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ICBP 2011 23
Copyright © 2011 Nenad Michael Djurdjević
No part of this online publication may be reproduced in any forms or any means without the prior
written permission from the author.
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ICBP 2011 24
Addendum
The Bosnian Pyramids Vedic Connection
By Richard Merrick
Evidence of Vedic Cosmology and Harmonic Science in the
Pyramid Civilization of Ancient Bosnia
were named from the emblem of the medieval Bosnian King Tvrtko. This symbolism descends
from a sacred mountain named Meru described in the Rigveda, believed to originate in pre
Vedic Indo-Iranian culture. Evidence is presented here to establish a link to this pre
civilization, founded on astrotheological fertility symbolisms and harmonic physics.
To begin with, the trinity symbolism on the emblem of King Tvrtko
the Babylonian and Akkadian gods Ba’al, Asherah and Lilith (Fig. 2).
serpent god while Asherah was his wife and mother goddess associated with the planet Venus.
Lilith was then the goddess of the night
depicted with serpents. In this way, Asherah and Lilith were a feminine duo for the birth and
ressurection of sun god Ba’al.
However, this astrotheological
Valley civilization. In the Hindu Vedas, the same trinity is found as the sun god Indra, the
Venusian pair Vena-Shukra and Earth
deities were likely brought to Babylonia by a pre
China, establishing colonies while spreading their beliefs.
Carried along with this trinity was the Vedic legend of a transcendental mountain named Meru,
the model for all other sacred mountains and prime catalyst for pyramid temple building. Meru
was believed to be a transcendental mountain extending from the deepest ocean up into space.
Paved with gold and populated by dancing gods, the summit of Meru was believed to be ne
the stationary North Star or Polaris, presumably because all other stars appeared to rotate
around it. This is our earliest concept of heaven.
Evidence of Vedic Cosmology and Harmonic Science in the
Pyramid Civilization of Ancient Bosnia
Fig. 1. Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun
ABSTRACT
Concerning the pyramids near the
town of Visok
Herzegovina, this paper seeks to
explain the symbolisms associated
with several artifacts discovered in
this region, some carbon dated as
old as 10,000 years. The three
pyramids, Sun, Moon and Dragon,
were named from the emblem of the medieval Bosnian King Tvrtko. This symbolism descends
from a sacred mountain named Meru described in the Rigveda, believed to originate in pre
an culture. Evidence is presented here to establish a link to this pre
civilization, founded on astrotheological fertility symbolisms and harmonic physics.
egin with, the trinity symbolism on the emblem of King Tvrtko of Bosnia probably refers to
the Babylonian and Akkadian gods Ba’al, Asherah and Lilith (Fig. 2). Ba’al was the male solar
serpent god while Asherah was his wife and mother goddess associated with the planet Venus.
Lilith was then the goddess of the night, associated with the Moon and death, who was oft
depicted with serpents. In this way, Asherah and Lilith were a feminine duo for the birth and
ressurection of sun god Ba’al.
However, this astrotheological trinity is much older, having perhaps originated in the Indus
Valley civilization. In the Hindu Vedas, the same trinity is found as the sun god Indra, the
Shukra and Earth- Moon goddesses Kali-Candi. These and other Vedic
ikely brought to Babylonia by a pre- Vedic culture extending from North Africa to
China, establishing colonies while spreading their beliefs.
Carried along with this trinity was the Vedic legend of a transcendental mountain named Meru,
other sacred mountains and prime catalyst for pyramid temple building. Meru
was believed to be a transcendental mountain extending from the deepest ocean up into space.
Paved with gold and populated by dancing gods, the summit of Meru was believed to be ne
the stationary North Star or Polaris, presumably because all other stars appeared to rotate
This is our earliest concept of heaven.
2nd
ICBP 2011 25
Evidence of Vedic Cosmology and Harmonic Science in the
Fig. 1. Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun
Concerning the pyramids near the
town of Visoko in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, this paper seeks to
explain the symbolisms associated
with several artifacts discovered in
this region, some carbon dated as
old as 10,000 years. The three
pyramids, Sun, Moon and Dragon,
were named from the emblem of the medieval Bosnian King Tvrtko. This symbolism descends
from a sacred mountain named Meru described in the Rigveda, believed to originate in pre-
an culture. Evidence is presented here to establish a link to this pre-Vedic
civilization, founded on astrotheological fertility symbolisms and harmonic physics.
of Bosnia probably refers to
Ba’al was the male solar
serpent god while Asherah was his wife and mother goddess associated with the planet Venus.
, associated with the Moon and death, who was oft
depicted with serpents. In this way, Asherah and Lilith were a feminine duo for the birth and
trinity is much older, having perhaps originated in the Indus
Valley civilization. In the Hindu Vedas, the same trinity is found as the sun god Indra, the
Candi. These and other Vedic
Vedic culture extending from North Africa to
Carried along with this trinity was the Vedic legend of a transcendental mountain named Meru,
other sacred mountains and prime catalyst for pyramid temple building. Meru
was believed to be a transcendental mountain extending from the deepest ocean up into space.
Paved with gold and populated by dancing gods, the summit of Meru was believed to be near
the stationary North Star or Polaris, presumably because all other stars appeared to rotate
Fig. 2. Babylonian / Bosnian astrotheological symbolism.Fig. 2. Babylonian / Bosnian astrotheological symbolism.
2nd
ICBP 2011 26
It is important to note that Indian author Pingala
as a pyramid of numbers that can be added together diagonally into the well
series {1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 ...
a numerological symbolism, the Fibonacci series forms a spiral resembling a coiled serpent
ending at the center or top of Mount Meru. Thus, the numerical pyramid or mountain of
has at its summit the solar serpent deity Indra.
Furthermore, adjacent ratios of Fibonacci numb
1.61538, converge toward the infinite golden mean constant of about 1.618033. In this way,
the sacred pyramidal mountain of Meru could be said to have gold at its center. Through this
numerical symbolism, the Sun, serpents, spirals and gold are all interrelated through the Vedic
cosmology of Mount Meru. With all of this in mind, we can now begin to interpret some of the
artifacts associated with the Bosnian pyramids.
The Votive Pyramids An article on the website www.bosnian
around 4800 BC found in Bosnia, Hungary,
evidence of Vedic cosmology being brought into Old Europe and theological motivation behind
the pyramids near Visoko (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. Pyramid votives (4800 BC).
Such votive pyramids are symbolic of Mount Meru and other sacred mountains, such as
Sumeru, Moriah, Olympus, Zion and others. Greek key decorations, called
these votives as are layered zigzag patterns. The spiraling key patterns are proto
symbols used to mark sacred sites and temples on Hindu maps. This corresponds to the
diagonal Fibonacci spiral associated with the golden mean inside
patterns are symbols of water and are carved such that the votive pyramid is divided into five
layers. This is a common theme in ancient pyramid building, found in the 5
Babylonian ziggaurats, 5-tiers above
Hindu funeral pyres. As a sacred symbol of ascension to the heavenly summit of Meru in the
afterlife, these votive pyramids are proof positive that Vedic cosmology and astrotheological
It is important to note that Indian author Pingala (4th-2nd century BCE) described Mount Meru
as a pyramid of numbers that can be added together diagonally into the well
series {1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 ... ∞} found throughout nature as propor�ons of growth. Taken as
lism, the Fibonacci series forms a spiral resembling a coiled serpent
ending at the center or top of Mount Meru. Thus, the numerical pyramid or mountain of
has at its summit the solar serpent deity Indra.
Furthermore, adjacent ratios of Fibonacci numbers, such as 8/5 = 1.6, 13/8 = 1.625 and 21/13 =
1.61538, converge toward the infinite golden mean constant of about 1.618033. In this way,
the sacred pyramidal mountain of Meru could be said to have gold at its center. Through this
e Sun, serpents, spirals and gold are all interrelated through the Vedic
cosmology of Mount Meru. With all of this in mind, we can now begin to interpret some of the
artifacts associated with the Bosnian pyramids.
www.bosnian-pyramid.com describes several votive pyramids dating
Bosnia, Hungary, Western Bulgaria and Northern Greece. These are
evidence of Vedic cosmology being brought into Old Europe and theological motivation behind
the pyramids near Visoko (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. Pyramid votives (4800 BC). Credit: Nenad Djurdjevi
Such votive pyramids are symbolic of Mount Meru and other sacred mountains, such as
Sumeru, Moriah, Olympus, Zion and others. Greek key decorations, called
these votives as are layered zigzag patterns. The spiraling key patterns are proto
symbols used to mark sacred sites and temples on Hindu maps. This corresponds to the
diagonal Fibonacci spiral associated with the golden mean inside Meru. Similarly, the zigzag
patterns are symbols of water and are carved such that the votive pyramid is divided into five
layers. This is a common theme in ancient pyramid building, found in the 5
tiers above the Kings Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza and 5
Hindu funeral pyres. As a sacred symbol of ascension to the heavenly summit of Meru in the
afterlife, these votive pyramids are proof positive that Vedic cosmology and astrotheological
2nd
ICBP 2011 27
2nd century BCE) described Mount Meru
as a pyramid of numbers that can be added together diagonally into the well-known Fibonacci
∞} found throughout nature as propor�ons of growth. Taken as
lism, the Fibonacci series forms a spiral resembling a coiled serpent
ending at the center or top of Mount Meru. Thus, the numerical pyramid or mountain of Mer
ers, such as 8/5 = 1.6, 13/8 = 1.625 and 21/13 =
1.61538, converge toward the infinite golden mean constant of about 1.618033. In this way,
the sacred pyramidal mountain of Meru could be said to have gold at its center. Through this
e Sun, serpents, spirals and gold are all interrelated through the Vedic
cosmology of Mount Meru. With all of this in mind, we can now begin to interpret some of the
describes several votive pyramids dating
Western Bulgaria and Northern Greece. These are
evidence of Vedic cosmology being brought into Old Europe and theological motivation behind
Credit: Nenad Djurdjević
Such votive pyramids are symbolic of Mount Meru and other sacred mountains, such as
Sumeru, Moriah, Olympus, Zion and others. Greek key decorations, called grecos, are found on
these votives as are layered zigzag patterns. The spiraling key patterns are proto-swastika
symbols used to mark sacred sites and temples on Hindu maps. This corresponds to the
Meru. Similarly, the zigzag
patterns are symbols of water and are carved such that the votive pyramid is divided into five
layers. This is a common theme in ancient pyramid building, found in the 5-tier organization of
the Kings Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza and 5-tier
Hindu funeral pyres. As a sacred symbol of ascension to the heavenly summit of Meru in the
afterlife, these votive pyramids are proof positive that Vedic cosmology and astrotheological
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concepts were present in Old Europe well before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in Egypt
around 2560 BC.
* As point of reference, the Biblical astrotheological equivalents would be Jesus Christ as the solar
serpent deity, Mother Mary as the Venusian goddess of fertility and birth and Mary Magdaline as the
Moon goddess of death and resurrection. The name Mary, Meri or Meriam is etymologically related to
Meru, the supposed bridge to heaven. Likewise, the word “mer” refers to the sea, another reference to
Meru emerging from the sea and described as being ringed by seven seas and mountain ranges.
As this astrotheological symbolism was adopted into the Abrahamic religions, Jesus (the solar serpent of
the Sun) was born from Mother Mary (an immaculate birth from the sea) in the same way the planet
Venus gives birth to the Sun as it rises first from the eastern waters. Inversely, Mary Magdaline (the
lunar goddess of resurrection) follows Jesus into death just as the Moon follows the Sun into the night at
sunset. In this way, the two Marys are celestial birth and resurrection symbols for the serpentine son of
the Sun.
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The Bosnian Stećaks
Near the pyramids, a number of tombstones, called stećaks, have been unearthed. These are
large carved rocks in the shape of elongated pentagons or kite-like trapazoids. On each end are
often found two opposing spirals, a motif repeated in other cultures such as the Greeks.
Credit: Nenad Djurdjević National Archaeological Museum, Athens
Fig. 4. Bosnian stećaks Fig. 5. Greek gold jewelry
In fact, the dual spiral designs found in Bosnia resemble those found on ancient Greek jewelry.
Here again we find a connection to swastikas, Fibonacci spirals and Meru. Only here the spiral is
presented as a counterbalanced pair in opposition. Some Buddhist descriptions of Meru, or
Sumeru, are of an hourglass design rather than a single pyramid, suggesting an interlocking and
opposing pair of pyramids with counter-rotating Fibonacci spirals. This is a model not dissimilar
to the dipole vortices of star systems and galaxies and even found in miniature in the opposing
helicies of human ears. Since the Vedas are believed to be a divine message of sruiti, meaning
“that which is heard,” the tombstones offer further evidence for a Bosnian culture founded on
principles of sound, rhythm and vibration.
The pentagonal shape of the stećaks might also be numerologically symbolic of Vena, the
fertility goddess and protector of Meru. This may be because Meru gets its five tiers from the
orbit of Venus as it traces out a pentagonal rosette in the Earth’s sky over an 8-year period. This
orbital cycle was well known in ancient Babylonia and symbolized in the Star of Ishtar, originally
an 8-point star. But because of its five retrogrades and conjunctions with Earth, Venus was also
represented as a pentagram or pentagonal geometry. The Pythagoreans considered the
pentagram sacred and associated it with Aphrodite (Venus) while in India and across the Orient
it was associated with the five levels of Meru. The symbolisms of Mount Meru and the Venus
pentacle always go hand in hand.
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“The Venus symbolism is a dominant symbol throughout Bosnian history. The kite-shaped or
pentagonal form of Bosnian stećaks (tombstones) is not coincidental, and of course it is closely
related with the belief of resurrection. Please be informed that the pentagonal orb appeared
nearby a tripple-stepped-burial, a small pyramid we’ve discovered in Visoko area.”
- Nenad Djurdjević, Independent Researcher
In these stećaks we can now see strong evidence that the same Vedic Meru symbolism and
principles of celestial harmony were brought into Bosnia, creating a society steeped in pyramid
culture.
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Evidence for an Ancient Harmonic Science
When a guitar string is plucked, it naturally forms a standing wave of higher overtones called
the harmonic series. Such harmonic formation is caused by the natural damping action of the
fifth wave partial in the series, which when represented inside a circle creates the shape of a
pentagon. This fifth partial is what keeps the string from resonating apart (exploding) and
instead causes it to naturally die out (Fig. 6).
Of course, every intersection of a pentagram creates a golden section, so the golden ratio
constant represents a damping proportion in nature that acts to “contain” resonance. And, as
this pentagonal interference pattern applies pressure on the standing wave resonance to slowly
kill it, a double spiral of opposing Fibonacci vortices form around two opposing golden ratio
damping locations.
You will notice from this simple explanation of coherent vibration the words “pentagon,” “die”
or “kill” and “double spiral.” All of these ideas are symbolized in the Bosnian tombstone. These
are symbols of Meru and Venus that indicate the departed has joined the gods on the heavenly
summit.
But this Vedic symbolism reveals a deeper knowledge of harmonic principles in nature. For
instance, unfolding the pentagonal rock around its vertical line of symmetry would mark five
equal line segments along the ground. Rolling it along this line would simulate a harmonic wave
equivalent to Partial 5 in the harmonic series. And as a stationary pentagon tombstone, its
double spirals converge to the infinite golden ratios resident inside the harmonic series of any
resonating standing wave. Each of these stećaks properties are evidence of harmonic principles
in nature and the probable existence of a pre-Vedic astrotheological harmonic model not unlike
the one in Fig. 6.
The ancient Indo-Iranians could have developed a similar model from careful astronomical
observations of Venus over several pentagonal cycles ending in about the same place. Since the
8-year pentagonal orbit of Venus is isomorphic to the harmonic model described above, it is my
hypothesis that the orbital resonance between Earth and Venus was caused by a golden mean
damping vortex forming between the two planets in the Sun’s early plasma heliosphere. This
would easily explain the 13:8 orbital resonance between the two planets.
It was this relatively calm damping region in the standing wave vibration of the Sun’s plasma
heliosphere that brought stability to Earth, enabling life to evolve. From this perspective, the
golden ring inside the orbit of Venus could be interpreted as a celestial fertility symbol and
personified into feminine deities.
Fig. 6. Harmonic Geometry, Waves and Fibonacci Spirals.
Fig. 6. Harmonic Geometry, Waves and Fibonacci Spirals.
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In this way, the dual nature of Fibonacci spirals and golden ratios represent a duality of
feminine fertility, first unto Earth and then into the afterlife. Taken together with other
instances of pentagonal damping in nature - the beautiful rose, seed patterns in fruit and the 5-
fold human anatomy - it’s easy to see how the Venus pentacle would become the most sacred
religious symbol in ancient times. Fig. 7. The Vedic / Veda / Vena / Venus Star 5
The Bosnian pyramids and
surrounding artifacts give
testament to an Old European
civilization based on Vedic
cosmology and a spiritual
harmonic science. It was a
society that believed in a
transcendental mountain
bridging the sea and sky,
harmonizing the entire
Cosmos with its people.
Bosnia: Colony of the Vedic
Empire?
The Rigveda was once the
foundation for a global culture
of harmony. It emerged from
what appears to be a most
ancient spiritual science based
on the physics and symbols of
musical resonance. It began as
astronomical observations,
becoming a sacred study of
geometry in nature, resonant
patterns of vibration and
eventually the patterns of proportion between numbers. This was the foundation of worldwide
Vedic Empire colonized by pyramid temples. Colonies of this empire can be identified through
five theological principles intrinsic to Vedic cosmology.
1. Mount Meru as a sacred geometric bridge (or tree) to a golden heaven in the sky,
2. The Sun, Moon, Venus and Earth deities (principle amoung the sky deities) who live as a
hierarchy on Meru,
3. Serpent and Egg as harmonic symbols for energetic resonance and damping in all things -
Cosmos, World and Life,
4. Entheogenic plants used in wine mixtures to resonate the serpent within, ascend Meru and
meet the gods, and
5. Pyramid temples where people took communion to resonate the serpent energy and ascend to
the heavenly summit.
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It is likely that Visoko, Bosnia was one of these pre-Vedic colonies, settled in parallel with others
in North Africa, Mesopotamia, China and later the Americas. To bridge the Bosnian culture with
these other civilizations, artifacts might first be interpreted within the theoretical context of
harmonic physics to establish a common context in Vedic cosmology. Within this context, a
timeline and route of missionary migration can then be more easily established.
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Bibliography 1. Merrick RS., “Interference: A Grand Scientific Musical Theory,” Third Edition, Dallas, Texas,
2009- 2011. ISBN: 978-0-615-20599-1.
2. Kak, Subhash, “Vena, Veda, Venus,” Brahmavidya: The Adyar Library Bulletin, vol. 60, 1996,
pp.229- 239.
3. Djurdjevic, NM, “A Study by Nenad Michael Djurdjevic”, www.bosnian-pyramid.com, 2011.
4. Krupp, EC, “Echoes of the Ancient Skies,” Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford, 1983
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