Older than Egypt: The ancient allure of Swiss pyramid formations
The Euseigne Pyramids in the Swiss Alps are spectacular geological formations shaped by erosion. It is estimated that they formed as long as 80,000 years ago, making them older than the pyramids in Giza.
Located in the Val d'Hérens valley in the Swiss Alps, the Euseigne Pyramids are extraordinary geological formations resulting from natural erosion processes. These impressive structures, reaching heights of 33 to 50 feet, were shaped at the end of the last Ice Age, around 80,000 to 10,000 years ago. As such, they are older than the pyramids in Egypt.
Formation process of the pyramids
The portal IFL Science explains that the formation process of these structures began with the retreat of glaciers. Their tongues left behind large amounts of soft material known as moraine, within which harder boulders were embedded. Over time, rain and meltwater washed away the soft sediments, revealing the hard boulders that protect the columns from further erosion.
The Euseigne Pyramids were listed in 1983 in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes, Sites and Natural Monuments of National Importance. This distinction highlights their uniqueness and significance as symbols of impermanence, as these structures will continue to erode until they eventually disappear.
Unique geological formations
Such geological formations, known in English as hoodoos, tent rocks, or fairy chimneys, can be found in various parts of the world where specific geological conditions create a combination of harder and softer rock layers. Examples can be found in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and Cappadocia in Turkey.
The Euseigne Pyramids are not only a tourist attraction but also an important element of geological heritage, attracting researchers and tourists from around the world. Thanks to the mountain road that runs through these formations, they can be admired up close, making them even more fascinating.
