Ancient Structures Altered Sound and Mind, Says Researchers

In a March, 2013 article published in Popular Archaeology, monumental structures were built to manipulate sound for sensory and mind effects, revealed in recent research.

When the builders of these monumental structures designed their buildings, they did so not only for usage of space and visual impact but to produce certain sensory effects and manipulate sound.

The article explains how archaeologists studied a 6,000-year-old stone structure complex known as the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum on the island of Malta, and discovered that the interior spaces produce interesting effects.

The article goes on to describe how low voices within its walls create eerie, reverberating echoes, and a sound made or words spoken in certain places can be clearly heard throughout all of its three levels.

“Now, scientists are suggesting that certain sound vibration frequencies created when sound is emitted within its walls are actually altering human brain functions of those within earshot.”

Also revealed are some more interesting findings:

“The findings indicated that at 110 Hz the patterns of activity over the prefrontal cortex abruptly shifted, resulting in a relative deactivation of the language center and a temporary shifting from left to right-sided dominance related to emotional processing and creativity.”