Archaeologists have uncovered the sunken remains of a 7,000-year-old road that connected an artificial landmass to the Croatian island of Korčula.
The road belonged to the Hvar, a lost maritime culture that occupied the area during the Neolithic Era.
The submerged road was discovered by Igor Borzić, a researcher at the Archaeology Department at the University of Zadar, who spotted “strange structures” at a depth of about 15 feet in the Bay of Gradina, on the western coast of Korčula.
The underwater passage was made of stacked stones and measured about 12 feet across.
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The University of Zadar released new footage of the underwater passage over the weekend, revealing that the road was part of a prehistoric settlement of the Hvar culture that had been submerged.
Flint blades, stone axes, and fragments of millstones were also discovered in the underwater ruins, providing insight into the mysterious Hvar peoples who settled on the islands and coasts of the northeast Adriatic Sea some 7,000 years ago.
The underwater research was a collaborative effort between multiple scientists and institutions and was led by archaeologist Mate Parica, who had been investigating the site for several years.
Many Hvar ruins and artifacts have been found underwater, including a settlement that was constructed on top of an artificially created island.
The recently discovered road connected this island to the coast of Korčula.
Hvar peoples also left behind ornaments and pottery, as well as evidence of subsistence farming and burial rituals.
The University of Zadar described the remains as a “surprising” discovery that could change the understanding of ancient maritime cultures in the area.
The research highlights the importance of underwater archaeological research and how it can provide new insights into the past.
Source Vice
Featured Image Credit: Facebook / University of Zadar