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Title: Perhaps the largest monolith on earth Post by: Jitendra Hydonus on Jul 21, 2024 11:29 pm In the heart of Baalbek, Lebanon, stands what is arguably the largest artificial monolith on Earth. This colossal stone measures approximately 64.3 feet (19.6 meters) in length and weighs a staggering 3.3 million pounds (1,650 tonnes). It has been a fixture of the landscape since Roman times, if not much earlier, with some suggesting it dates back 5,000 years, although firm dates are elusive. The sheer size and weight of this monolith baffle modern engineers, who marvel at the ancient ingenuity required to construct and transport such a massive stone. Adding to the mystery is the fact that this monolith is not an isolated wonder in Baalbek. Nearby lies the Temple of Jupiter, whose upper structure is undeniably Roman. However, this Roman temple sits atop a base constructed from enormous limestone blocks. This foundation comprises 27 massive stones, including three that weigh around 2 million pounds (1,000 tonnes) each, known collectively as the Trilithon. The builders of this ancient site clearly possessed the knowledge and skill to quarry, move, and place these gigantic stones with apparent ease. Legends surrounding Baalbek further enhance its mystique. Ancient Arabic manuscripts attribute the site to Nimrod, the legendary Babylonian king, who supposedly rebuilt it after the Great Flood with the help of giants. Other texts suggest Cain founded Baalbek 133 years after the creation of man, also employing giants in its construction to escape the wrath of Yahweh. These stories hint at an ancient recognition of the site's extraordinary nature. The use of allegorical figures like Cain and giants in these legends might reflect the ancients' attempts to explain phenomena beyond their understanding. Even today, the precise methods used by these ancient builders to carve and transport 3.3 million-pound stones remain a subject of wonder. Why did they undertake such monumental construction? How did they achieve such precision? Some scholars and enthusiasts believe that ancient advanced civilizations once thrived in various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean basin, only to be lost to climatic cataclysms. Sites like Nan Madol, the Great Pyramid, and Gunung Padang are often cited as remnants of these lost civilizations. The colossal monoliths of Baalbek undoubtedly belong to this list, continuing to inspire awe and speculation about the capabilities of our ancient ancestors. #legends #mystery #mysterious #unknown #lost #missing #History #enigma #unsolved #questions #explore #explorepage #archaeology #archaelogicalsite #ruins https://m.facebook.com/groups/338947336258465/permalink/2791521194334388/? [attachment deleted by admin] |