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Under the stunning waters of Lake Ohrid, a well-known jewel of the Balkans, lies one of Europe’s oldest known sedentary communities. Researchers from the University of Bern and a team of archaeologists from Albania have been working together for over four years to uncover the secrets held beneath its turquoise waves.
The site has been dated back to between 6000 and 5800 BC which makes it several hundred years older than other previously found lake dwellings in both the Mediterranean and Alpine regions.
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke out in appreciation for this remarkable discovery, citing its “undisputed historical and archaeological value”.
Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber visited the excavation site in July, wishing to be informed personally about ongoing research efforts there.
It is thought that around two-hundred to five-hundred people lived here at once on stilts above or within areas regularly flooded by rising waters.
One particularly interesting find was that barricades made up of thousands of spikes were used as protective fortifications around the village – an indication that they were preparing for something but what exactly remains unknown.
Professional divers connected with Marie-Claire Ries are helping by picking through objects buried deep in the lake such as fossilised wood pieces and oak fragments which help piece together information about climate conditions during this period as well as everyday life within this settlement.
The work is slow going due to obstructions such as riparian vegetation making passage difficult.
However, efforts will continue until a better understanding is reached regarding why these people chose to live upon stilts when other options were available at their time.
To date, evidence suggests agriculture and domesticated livestock may have been used for food sources though further research will be needed over coming decades before any firm conclusions can be drawn regarding life along Lake Ohrid’s shores thousands of years ago.
