The Yonaguni Monument: A Lost Civilization or Natural Formation?

Call me V
5 min readApr 1, 2023

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The Yonaguni Monument is an intriguing and enigmatic underwater structure that lies off the coast of the Yonaguni Island in Japan. Discovered in 1986 by a local diver, the monument has since become a topic of debate among archaeologists, geologists, and historians, as its origin and purpose remain shrouded in mystery.

[Photo: Melkov, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons]

The Yonaguni Monument: Description and Characteristics

The monument is comprised of a series of stone structures that are arranged in a semi-circular pattern, and some of these structures are over 30 meters in length and 10 meters in height. The monument has been described as resembling a sunken city, with features that include giant staircases, a stone turtle, and a large triangular platform that is thought to have served as a ceremonial area.

One of the most unique features of the Yonaguni Monument is a set of vertical and horizontal lines that are carved into the stone, creating a pattern that many believe was created by humans. Some of these lines appear to be man-made, with right angles and smooth surfaces that suggest a high degree of precision. Other features of the monument include pillars, triangular formations, and what appear to be stone walls.

[Photo: Vincent Lou from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

The history of the Yonaguni Monument remains a mystery, and researchers have put forth various theories as to when and why it was created. Some believe that the monument dates back thousands of years, to a time when Yonaguni Island was connected to the mainland by a land bridge that has since been submerged by rising sea levels. Others suggest that the monument may be much more recent, perhaps dating back only a few hundred years.

In terms of comparisons to other underwater structures, the Yonaguni Monument is unique in both its size and complexity. While there are other examples of underwater structures around the world, such as the Bimini Road off the coast of the Bahamas, none are as large or as intricately designed as the Yonaguni Monument. Some researchers have even compared the monument to other ancient ruins, such as those found in Egypt and South America, pointing to similarities in design and construction.

[Photo: Vincent Lou from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

The Case for a Lost Civilization

One theory is that the monument was built by the people of the legendary continent of Mu, which is said to have existed in the Pacific Ocean thousands of years ago. According to this theory, the people of Mu were an advanced civilization that possessed knowledge and technology far beyond what was available to other societies at the time. Some researchers argue that the Yonaguni Monument’s unique features, such as its carvings, pillars, and steps, provide evidence that it was created by the people of Mu.

Another theory suggests that the Yonaguni Monument was created by a civilization that existed during the last ice age, which ended around 10,000 years ago. According to this theory, the monument was built during a time when sea levels were much lower than they are today, and Yonaguni Island was connected to the mainland by a land bridge. The people who built the monument are believed to have been skilled engineers and architects who possessed a high level of knowledge and technology.

There is evidence to support the idea that the Yonaguni Monument was created by an ancient civilization. For example, some of the carvings on the monument appear to be man-made, with right angles and smooth surfaces that suggest a high degree of precision. Additionally, the monument’s pillars and steps are believed to have been carefully placed and arranged, further suggesting that they were created by humans.

There are also similarities between the Yonaguni Monument and other ancient ruins, such as those found in Egypt and South America. For example, the monument’s staircases and terraces are reminiscent of the stepped pyramids found in ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica. Additionally, some of the carvings on the monument are similar in style and design to those found in other ancient civilizations.

[Photo: Vincent Lou from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

The Case for a Natural Formation

While some researchers argue that the Yonaguni Monument is evidence of a lost civilization, others contend that it is a natural formation that was created by geological processes. There are several theories that support this claim, and there is evidence to suggest that the monument’s unique features are the result of natural patterns and formations.

One theory is that the Yonaguni Monument was formed by the movement of tectonic plates, which caused the layers of rock to shift and form the monument’s distinctive terraces and steps. According to this theory, the monument’s flat surfaces and right angles are the result of natural fracturing and erosion.

Another theory suggests that the monument was formed by the process of sedimentation, in which layers of sediment gradually build up over time. According to this theory, the monument’s unique features are the result of the way in which different types of sediment were deposited and compacted over time.

There is evidence to support the idea that the Yonaguni Monument is a natural formation. For example, the monument’s unique features are consistent with other natural formations found around the world, such as those found in Hawaii and Australia. Additionally, the patterns and formations found on the monument are consistent with known geological processes, such as the movement of tectonic plates and the process of sedimentation.

[Photo: Vincent Lou from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

Despite the ongoing debate, it is clear that the Yonaguni Monument is a fascinating and mysterious structure that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. As researchers continue to study and explore the monument, it is possible that new evidence may come to light that sheds more light on its origins and purpose.

Whether the monument was created by humans or through natural processes, it remains a testament to the power and beauty of nature and the enduring mysteries that continue to captivate us.

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Call me V
Call me V

Written by Call me V

Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.

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