Scientists have unveiled what appears to be Europe’s oldest lakeside village submerged beneath the waters of Lake Ohrid, known as the “Pearl of the Balkans.” The ancient settlement, dating back approximately 8,000 years, is located on the Albanian side of the lake. It was built on stilts due to regular flooding and features defensive structures consisting of around 10,000 spikes driven into the lake’s bottom. The village is believed to have housed 200 to 500 people, offering valuable insights into the daily life, agriculture, and environmental conditions of ancient inhabitants. The discovery, deemed a research treasure trove, sheds light on early European settlement practices.
Prelims pointer
- Lake Ohrid: Referred to as the “Pearl of the Balkans,” Lake Ohrid is the site of the recently discovered ancient lakeside village. It is an ancient lake shared by Albania and North Macedonia with a rich archaeological history spanning over a million years.
- Sedentary Community: The village is recognized as one of Europe’s earliest sedentary communities, where people lived in fixed locations instead of practicing a nomadic lifestyle.
- Stilts: The ancient settlement was built on stilts due to the regular flooding of the area. This innovative construction method allowed residents to adapt to their environment and avoid the effects of rising waters.
- Defensive Barricades: Around 10,000 spikes were driven into the lake’s bottom to create defensive barricades around the village. The purpose of these extensive fortifications remains a mystery, fueling speculation about the threats that may have prompted their construction.
- Oak Tree Rings: Fossilized oak fragments found at the site have provided valuable information through the analysis of tree rings. Oak is known for its precise tree ring growth patterns, allowing researchers to gather insights about climatic and environmental conditions during the settlement period.