Report by Samyukta Mallick
Underwater archeologists from the University of Zadar have discovered a road off the southern Croatian island, Korčula, at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. It was found at the Neolithic archeological site, Soline.
What was discovered?
A survey of the site shows that the road is 4 meters (13 feet) wide and at a depth of 5 meters (16 feet), covered in mud. It is built with stacked stone slabs. Using a radiocarbon method of dating, the researchers found that the road dates back to 7,000 years ago. The neolithic period began 12,000 years ago. The road was a route that connected the two Croatian islands, Korčula and Hvar.
Apart from the road, researchers also unearthed other artifacts like milestones, sacrifice remains, stone axes and blades. Also, a settlement similar to Soline has been discovered in Gradina Bay, Croatia.
What is Soline?
The archeological site in Soline was discovered by the University of Zadar archeologist, Mate Parica, in 2021, while he was studying the satellite images of the ocean floor of Croatia. These sites were found at a depth of 4 – 5 meters (13-16 feet) the Adriatic sea.
What preserved it all this while?
Islands surrounding the road have prevented waves from destroying it. The location has been an advantage in preserving the archeological finds.
Who all worked on this discovery?
University of Zadar worked with teams of archeologists from the Dubrovnik Museums, the Museum of the City of Kaštela ,and the City Museum of Korčula to uncover the prehistoric road.
Image credit: Featured Image: Screengrab from Google Maps. Image of the road: University of Zadar
