Taygetus rock pyramid

Greece / Lakonia / Xirokambion /
 mountain, summit, ancient ruins
The highest peak about 7,900 ft (2,410 m) of the mountain has the shape of a pyramid.Some researchers are convinced that this structure, found on one of the peaks of mount Taygetus, was carved by the hand of man, in remote antiquity, to form this pyramid shape. Others however believe that this is nothing but an natural rock formation. No erosion mechanism has been suggested (to date) which could create this shape naturally. Particularly curious are the strange shadows cast at dawn and sunset.It is said that in ancient years, Spartans built a temple of Apollo at the peak. A church of Profitis Elias (προφήτης Ηλίας) can be found at the same place. The international path E4 also leads there.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taygetus
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   36°57'14"N   22°20'59"E

Comments

  • Taygetus or Taygetos (Greek: Ταΰγετος), also Taigetos is a mountain range of the Peloponnesus, Southern Greece, extending about 65 mi (100 km) north from the southern end of Cape Matapan in the Mani Peninsula. It rises to about 7,900 ft (2,410 m) at Mt. Hagios Ilias (Mt. St. Elias or Prophitis Elias). The mountain is named after Taygete. In Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was known as Pentedaktylos (Greek for five-fingered). The mountain range includes the prefectures of Arcadia, Laconia and Messenia. Taygetus pyramidThe highest peak of the mountain has the shape of a pyramid. Some researchers are convinced that this structure, found on one of the peaks of mount Taygetus, was carved by the hand of man, in remote antiquity, to form this pyramid shape. Others, however, believe that this is nothing but a natural rock formation. No erosion mechanism has been suggested (to date) which could create this shape naturally. Particularly curious are the strange shadows cast at dawn and sunset. It is said that in ancient years, Spartans built a temple of Apollo at the peak. A church of the prophet Elias (προφήτης Ηλίας) can be found at the same place. European walking route E4 also leads there. The valley of the Evrotas River lies to the east, while the Ionian Sea lies to the south and west along with the Gulf of Kalamata or the Messenian Gulf and Arcadia to the north. Almost all of the Evrotas valley, the Parnon mountains and half of Laconia can be seen from the eastern slope. The western slopes panorama includes Kalamata and the eastern half of Messenia. Most of the southwestern part of Arcadia can also be seen. Part of Skoteini PlevraThe central part of the mountain range is commonly called "Skoteini Plevra" which means "the dark side" because the villages that are in the Taygetus don't receive as much sunshine, especially in the morning and the pre-dusk hours. Much of the area is forested and in higher areas, deforested with grasslands, meadows and flowers. The area receives sunshine only during the afternoon hours. The length is about 4 to 5 km and the width is approximately 1 km
  • "No erosion mechanism has been suggested (to date) which could create this shape naturally" I would like to know who has been doing the suggesting (to date). This is a perfectly natural feature, as any credible geologist could tell you.
  • been there. it is amazing. it is has a very strange shape.. like a pyramid. you have to go there to say if it is natural or not.
This article was last modified 14 days ago