Les Pyramides de Plaine Magnien

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In the middle of the cane fields of Plaine Magnien stand curious small pyramids of volcanic stone. Their regular shape has intrigued people for years and fuelled numerous theories, even though their origin seems mainly linked to the agricultural clearing of former sugar plantations.

The Pyramids of Plaine Magnien are small structures of volcanic stone stacked in terraces, found in the fields of south-east Mauritius, notably around Plaine Magnien, Union Vale and Mare d’Albert.
Their surprisingly regular appearance gives them the look of genuine stepped pyramids. Some are made up of several stacked levels, with no mortar, using only carefully assembled stones.

For a long time, their origin gave rise to many theories. Some imagined they could be very ancient or linked to an unknown civilisation. Others compared their architecture to certain pyramids found in the Canary Islands.

The most likely explanation, however, is much more recent. In the 20th century, when the cane fields were being cleared, workers had to remove large quantities of volcanic stone from the soil to make the land arable. These stones are thought to have been methodically stacked to form these structures.

More than twenty such pyramids are said to have once existed, but many are thought to have disappeared with the mechanisation of farming and the crushing of stones.

Today, only a few structures remain visible, forming one of the most unusual and little-known landscapes in Mauritius.

Did you know?

More than 20 stone pyramids are said to have once existed in this part of Mauritius. Many are thought to have disappeared with the mechanisation of the fields and the use of stone crushers. Their resemblance to certain pyramids at Güímar, in the Canary Islands, has helped fuel the most mysterious theories about their origin. To date, however, no solid archaeological evidence confirms any link to an ancient civilisation.

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