Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Albania, uncovering one of Europe’s earliest sedentary communities beneath Lake Ohrid. The settlement, located in the village of Lin, is believed to be around 8,500 years old, making it the oldest lakeside village discovered in Europe to date. The findings, made by Swiss and Albanian archaeologists, indicate that the region’s lakeshore settlements are much older than previously thought.
The settlement in Lin served as a hub for agriculture, craftsmanship, and fishing thousands of years ago. The village was built on stilts, a complex and difficult task that archaeologists are still trying to understand. The discovery of palisades, or defensive spikes, suggests that the settlement was fortified with thousands of spiked planks used as defensive barricades. However, the reason for this defensive measure remains unknown.
The excavation at Lake Ohrid has been ongoing for four years, and archaeologists have uncovered various artifacts, including seeds, plants, and animal bones. The discovery of the palisades has been described as a “real treasure trove for research.” It is estimated that around 100,000 spikes were driven into the lake’s bottom, providing valuable insights into the ancient settlement.
The findings from Lake Ohrid highlight the importance of investigating archaeological sites in lakes, particularly in the southern Balkans, for understanding societal and environmental changes in the cradle of European farming. The submerged prehistoric settlements offer unique insights into the dynamics of the past.
It is expected that it will take another two decades for the settlement in Lin to be fully explored and studied, allowing for final conclusions to be drawn. The discovery has opened up new avenues for research and has the potential to reshape our understanding of early European settlements.
What is the significance of the defensive palisades discovered at the Lin settlement in Lake Ohrid?
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have unearthed one of Europe’s earliest sedentary communities beneath Lake Ohrid in Albania. The remarkable discovery, made by Swiss and Albanian archaeologists in the village of Lin, reveals a settlement believed to be around 8,500 years old. This makes it the oldest lakeside village ever found in Europe, indicating that lakeshore settlements in the region are far older than previously believed.
The Lin settlement acted as a central hub for agriculture, craftsmanship, and fishing thousands of years ago. The village was constructed on stilts, a feat that still baffles archaeologists today. Additionally, the presence of defensive palisades implies that the settlement had protective measures in place, though the reason for this defensive stance remains a mystery.
Archaeologists have been conducting excavations at Lake Ohrid for the past four years and have uncovered a range of artifacts, including seeds, plants, and animal bones. The discovery of the palisades is described as an invaluable trove of information for researchers. Estimates suggest that around 100,000 spiked planks were driven into the lake’s floor, providing significant insights into the ancient settlement.
The findings from Lake Ohrid emphasize the significance of investigating archaeological sites in lakes, particularly in the southern Balkans. These submerged prehistoric settlements offer unparalleled insights into the dynamics of the past, shedding light on societal and environmental changes in the birthplace of European farming.
It is anticipated that the exploration and study of the Lin settlement will continue for at least another two decades before final conclusions can be drawn. This discovery opens up new avenues for research and has the potential to reshape our understanding of early European settlements.
Wow, this is such a fascinating discovery! I can’t wait to learn more about the history of this ancient village in Albania’s Lake Ohrid.
This is absolutely incredible! It’s amazing how much history can be preserved underwater. I can’t wait to see what else they uncover in Lake Ohrid.