Unearthing a 7,000-Year-Old Road Beneath the Adriatic Sea
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Chapter 1: A Journey into the Depths
Recent discoveries in underwater archaeology have revealed a remarkable find: a road dating back 7,000 years has been unearthed near Croatia. This ancient pathway, submerged approximately 5 meters under the sea, once served as a vital connection between the mainland and the island of Korčula, constructed by an enigmatic culture now referred to as "lost."
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Section 1.1: The Discovery of the Ancient Road
A dedicated team of underwater archaeologists from Zadar University made this significant discovery at the submerged archaeological site of Soline. This area was home to a Neolithic settlement during its time. Previous explorations have also uncovered fragments of buildings and various artifacts in the vicinity.
According to the experts, this road linked the Croatian mainland to Korčula, which once hosted a Neolithic village. Located in southern Dalmatia, Korčula spans 271.47 square kilometers and was originally settled by Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Illyrians, an ancient Indo-European group, inhabited the area after migrating from northern Europe. They lived as nomads, primarily engaged in agriculture.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Hvar Culture Connection
The researchers propose that the road and its corresponding settlement are linked to the Hvar culture, a maritime society that emerged around the 5th millennium BC along the eastern Adriatic coast. Historical analyses indicate parallels with the Danilo culture. The initial traces of this Neolithic group were found on Hvar Island, where archaeological evidence suggests that the culture flourished.
Section 1.2: Insights into Hvar Society
Studies reveal that the Hvar culture saw its most significant advancements on the Croatian islands. Their communities formed primitive settlements, often residing in caves, where they created basic tools and engaged in fishing. Past archaeological work has also uncovered ceramics attributed to this culture, featuring paintings that illustrate simple narratives, offering glimpses into the lives of the Hvar people.
Chapter 2: New Revelations from Underwater Exploration
As researchers from Zadar University continue their work, they have confirmed that the road was constructed with 4-meter-high stone slabs, now hidden beneath layers of silt. Currently, about 12 meters of the road has been uncovered, and divers have also discovered additional Neolithic tools, including millstone fragments, flint blades, and stone axes. These findings are expected to enhance our understanding of the elusive Hvar culture.
The first video titled "7,000-Year-Old Road Discovered in Croatia's Adriatic Depths - YouTube" explores the significance of this find and what it reveals about ancient civilizations.
The second video, "Archaeologists Discover 7000-Year-Old Stone Road Inside Sea - YouTube," provides a deeper look into the archaeological process and the findings related to this ancient structure.
The underwater archaeological project, spearheaded by Mata Parica from Zadar University, also involved experts from the Archaeological Museum in Dubrovnik, the Kaštela Museum, and the Museum in Korčula. Ongoing land surveys near Gradina Bay aim to uncover more about this fascinating period in history.
It's exciting to see how much remains to be discovered beneath the waves, as only a small fraction of the underwater world has been explored. The secrets that lie within may hold the key to understanding our past.