In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a 7,000-year-old stone road has been uncovered beneath the waters of the Bay of Gradina, off the coast of Croatia. This road, once used by ancient people, had been hidden beneath layers of sea mud until divers discovered it in an area nearly 16 feet underwater. While it may not be the fabled lost city of Atlantis, this unexpected find is a significant window into the distant past.
A Road Connecting Ancient Worlds
The submerged road, which measures about 12 feet across, was once part of a larger prehistoric settlement linked to the Hvar maritime culture. According to the University of Zadar, archaeologist Igor Borzić and his team stumbled upon the road while exploring the underwater site, and the discovery has left experts astonished. Borzić explained that the road connects the sunken settlement of the Hvar culture on the island of Korčula to the nearby coastline. Radiocarbon dating of nearby wood suggests the settlement may have been constructed around 4,900 BC, around 7,000 years ago.
The stone road is constructed from stacked stones, which were likely placed there by the early settlers to traverse the region’s rugged terrain. The sheer scale and condition of the road, preserved by the sea for millennia.
Uncovering Neolithic Artifacts
The team from the University of Zadar didn’t just uncover the road. As they continued their dive into the depths of the site, they also discovered an array of Neolithic artifacts. Among the findings were a stone axe, cream-colored blades, and sacrificial fragments. These objects provide further evidence of the early settlers’ way of life and their deep connection to the sea, as well as their complex social and religious practices. The artifacts were found at a depth of 13 to 16 feet, along with the stone road.
For the archaeologists involved, the site is a treasure trove of information. The discovery of this road not only adds to our knowledge of the Hvar culture but also points to the possibility that even more sites and structures are waiting to be uncovered beneath the Adriatic Sea. The team is excited to continue their research, hoping to uncover more details that can help reconstruct the lives of these ancient peoples.
A Peek into Prehistoric Mediterranean Life
This underwater find is a rare opportunity to explore the lives of Neolithic people who lived around 7,000 years ago, offering valuable insights into the early Mediterranean civilizations. The Hvar culture, named after the island of Hvar in Croatia, was known for its maritime skills, and the road found in the Bay of Gradina may have been an essential link between settlements.
With the rise of maritime trade and communication, this road could have been a vital part of the social and economic fabric of the region at the time. As the researchers continue to explore the depths of the site, they remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to further revelations about the connections between ancient coastal settlements and their communities.
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