Beneath the vibrant cerulean waters of Lake Ohrid, known as the “Pearl of the Balkans,” scientists have made an awe-inspiring discovery that may shed light on one of Europe’s earliest settled communities. This ancient settlement, believed to be around 8,000 years old, was nestled on the Albanian shore of the lake and is considered the oldest lakeside village found in Europe thus far. Radiocarbon dating places the village’s existence between 6000 and 5800 BC.
According to Albert Hafner, an esteemed professor of archaeology from Switzerland’s University of Bern, this settlement predates any other known lakeside communities in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions, making it a significant archaeological find. Hafner described it as “the oldest in Europe.” Previously, the oldest similar villages were discovered in the Italian Alps, dating back to approximately 5000 BC.
Over the past four years, a team of archaeologists consisting of Swiss and Albanian researchers, led by Hafner, has been conducting excavations at Lin, located on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. The discovery gained recognition when Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama shared its historic and archaeological significance in a Facebook post. Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber also visited the excavation site to personally witness and learn about the ongoing research.
It is estimated that this lakeside settlement once housed between 200 and 500 individuals, with houses constructed on stilts above the lake’s surface or in areas prone to flooding. The excavation has revealed intriguing details about the village’s past. During recent dives, archaeologists unearthed evidence suggesting that the settlement was fortified with thousands of spiked planks, forming a defensive barricade. Hafner remarked that the villagers must have cleared an entire forest to construct this extensive fortification. The reason behind such a defensive measure remains a mystery, intriguing archaeologists who continue to search for answers.
The discovery of approximately 100,000 spikes driven into the lakebed near Lin is regarded as a remarkable find that holds immense research value. Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest lakes existing for over a million years, poses unique challenges for underwater excavations due to dense riparian vegetation. Archaeologists, aided by skilled divers, navigate through reed beds to reach the dive site. Their meticulous work has yielded fossilized wood fragments and valuable oak pieces, which, through tree ring analysis, provide insights into the daily life and environmental conditions of the ancient inhabitants.
Adrian Anastasi, the head of the Albanian research team, explained that the research is conducted with utmost care and precision to comprehend the prehistoric site’s structure without causing damage. The abundant vegetation surrounding the site adds complexity to the excavation process. Anastasi emphasized the importance of understanding why the villagers chose to build their homes on stilts, considering the fundamental challenges involved.
Based on current evidence, scientists speculate that the village relied on agriculture and domesticated livestock for sustenance. Seeds, plants, and the bones of both wild and domesticated animals have been discovered, supporting this theory. However, it will take another two decades to fully explore and study the site before drawing final conclusions. Each excavation trip provides valuable information, enabling the team to reconstruct a vivid picture of life along Lake Ohrid’s shores thousands of years ago, from the architectural layout of the dwellings to the community’s social structure.
Hafner believes that these prehistoric sites are of paramount interest not only to the region but also to all of southwestern Europe. Recently, the team presented some of their findings at a conference in Greece, further contributing to the scientific community’s understanding of this ancient lakeside settlement.
Overall, the exploration of Lake Ohrid’s archaeological treasures represents a significant step towards unraveling Europe’s early history, showcasing the innovation and resilience of the continent’s earliest settlers.
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