Marine archaeologists have made a stunning discovery off the coast of Croatia. They found a 7,000-year-old road submerged underwater, connecting the sunken prehistoric settlement of the Hvar culture to the coast of the island of Korčula.
The remains of the road were discovered in undersea mud during underwater archaeological research of the submerged Neolithic site of Soline on the island of Korčula by the University of Zadar.
7,000-year-old Submerged Road
The discovery of the carefully placed stone slabs, which formed a four-meter-wide path connecting the artificial island to the coast, left archaeologists in awe.
The recent radiocarbon analysis of preserved wood uncovered in the last campaign helped to date the entire settlement to approximately 4,900 years before Christ.
The road is incredibly well-preserved, offering an exceptional glimpse into the past when people walked on it nearly 7,000 years ago.
The team also found Neolithic artifacts such as flint blades, stone axes, and fragments of millstones from the underwater ruins, which provide insights into the mysterious Hvar peoples who settled on the islands and coasts of the northeast Adriatic Sea some 7,000 years ago.
The Hvar peoples left behind ornaments, pottery, and evidence of subsistence farming and burial rituals.
Archaeologists are conducting research both underwater and on land near Gradina Bay, which is located near Vela Luka. During the underwater survey at the Soline site, the head of the research, Igor Borzić, observed unusual structures in the sea of the bay.
The archaeological team then inspected the central area of Gradina Bay and discovered a settlement that closely resembled the one at Soline, located 4 to 5 meters below the surface. At this site, the team also uncovered Neolithic artifacts such as flint blades, stone axes, and fragments of millstones.
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Ancient Hvar Culture
The discovery of the submerged road provides crucial insights into the ancient Hvar culture and could change our understanding of prehistoric societies. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and persistence in scientific research, which could lead to further discoveries in the future.
The Hvar people were a Neolithic culture that lived in the area of the eastern Adriatic Sea around 5000 BC. They were known for their advanced skills in agriculture, pottery, and metallurgy.
The Hvar people were skilled farmers, cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and beans. They also practiced animal husbandry and fishing.
Their settlements were typically located near the coast and were built from stone and wood. The discovery of these underwater ruins near the island of Hvar provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of this ancient culture and its advanced civilization.
The underwater research was a collaboration between multiple scientists and institutions and was led by archaeologist Mate Parica from the University of Zadar, who has been investigating the site for several years.
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