Archaeoacoustic Analysis of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta

Abstract

Recently we studied the acoustic properties of the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta. Identified as "architecture in the negative", it is a unique prehistoric complex, intentionally sculpted with features that mirror megalithic temples above ground. It is known that the Hypogeum was used in the Neolithic not only as a depository for bones, but also as a shrine for ritual use. In a room known as the "Oracle Room" set in the second level of the hypogeum, we have been able to detect the presence of a strong resonance effect: a double resonance frequency at 70Hz and 114Hz. With a male voice tuned to these frequencies it is possible to stimulate the resonance phenomenon throughout the hypogeum. It was further detected that percussion instruments can stimulate the resonance by their harmonics. Laboratory testing indicates that these frequencies have a strong effect on human brain activity. Since it is likely that the chambers served as centers for social or spiritual events, the resonance of the chamber cavities would have supported human ritual chanting and mystic consciousness.

Archaeoacoustic Analysis of Xaghra Hypogeum, Gozo, Malta

“…Several civilizations made use of natural sound phenomena to create impressive rites, with some ancient structures modeled in such a way as to direct sonic vibrations capable of influencing the mind towards a particular state of consciousness (Debertolis, Tirelli & Monti, 2014;Debertolis, Coimbra & Eneix, 2015;. Archaeo-acoustics, a complementary discipline of archeology and anthropology, is an emerging scientific field which investigates such sound characteristics.…”

“…In light of this, is possible to hypothesize that ancient populations considered places where a lot of natural low vibrations are present, to be "sacred" ) and used to enhance ancient rites and rituals (Debertolis et al, 2012. Archaeoacoustical analysis provides a method to demonstrate knowledge of acoustic phenomena in the past, a technique undertaken at the compound of Ggantija, Malta (Debertolis, Coimbra & Eneix, 2015;Debertolis, Earl & Zivić, 2016). This formed part of a wider study at some of Malta's Neolithic temples, where good results were also obtained at the Xaghra Stone Circle on Gozo.…”

Archaeoacoustic analysis of Cybele’s temple, Imperial Roman Palace of Felix Romuliana, Serbia An interpretation using a method complementary to archaeology

“…Starting from the premise that past ages were not devoid of noise or spent in silence, we know the human voice used in songs along with the vibrations produced by the musical instruments remained the highest expression of culture for a long period. Natural sound phenomena were used in several civilizations to create impressive rites, with some ancient structures modeled in a certain way to directly influence the mind through the vibrations produced in them towards a particular state of consciousness (Jahn, Devereux & Ibison, 1996;Watson, 2006;Devereux, Krippner, Tartz & Fish, 2007;Cook, Pajot & Leuchter, 2008;Debertolis & Bisconti, 2014;Debertolis & Gullà, 2015).…”

“…Recently SBRG demonstrated a relationship between mechanical vibrations in some Neolithic temples from resonance phenomenon and brain activity (Debertolis, Tirelli & Monti, 2014;Debertolis & Bisconti, 2014;Debertolis, Coimbra & Eneix, 2015). Any severe and artificial extreme sound imposed on the sonic environment has a profoundly destabilizing effect on the individual, indeed infrasound has been used in the context of wars in the area of acoustic weapons (Debertolis & Bisconti, 2013).…”

“…So it is possible to hypothesize that where a lot of natural low vibrations are present, ancient populations considered these sites to be "sacred" (Debertolis & Bisconti, 2013). Through archaeoacoustical analysis, it is possible to demonstrate there was some knowledge of acoustic phenomena in the past and later periods, which could for example have been used in ancient rituals (Debertolis & Savolainen, 2012;Debertolis & Bisconti, 2013a;Debertolis & Bisconti, 2013b;Debertolis, Mizdrak, Savolainen, 2013;Debertolis, Tirelli & Monti, 2014;Debertolis & Bisconti, 2014;Debertolis, Tentov, Nikolić, Marianović, Savolainen & Earl, 2014;Debertolis, Coimbra & Eneix, 2015). This same analysis was applied to the historical mysteries at Felix Romuliana.…”