Lake Ohrid Reveals Ancient European Village Protected by Defensive Spikes
Scientists have made an extraordinary discovery beneath the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, also known as the “Pearl of the Balkans.” They have uncovered what could potentially be one of Europe’s earliest sedentary communities and are now trying to unravel the mystery behind the village’s defensive spiked fortress.
Archaeologists believe that a settlement of stilt houses existed on the Albanian shore of Lake Ohrid approximately 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest lakeside village discovered in Europe to date. Radiocarbon dating places the settlement between 6000 and 5800 BC.
Albert Hafner, an archaeology professor from Switzerland’s University of Bern, stated, “It is several hundred years older than previously known lake-dwelling sites in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions. To our knowledge, it is the oldest in Europe.”
The most ancient lakeside villages found prior to this discovery were located in the Italian Alps and dated back to around 5000 BC. Hafner and his team of Swiss and Albanian archaeologists have spent the last four years excavating the site at Lin, on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid, which straddles the border between North Macedonia and Albania.
Last month, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed the discovery’s “undisputed historical and archaeological value” in a Facebook post. Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber also visited the excavations in July to gain firsthand knowledge of the research.
The settlement is believed to have housed a population of 200 to 500 people who built their houses on stilts above the lake’s surface or in areas prone to frequent flooding.
Recent dives by archaeologists have revealed evidence suggesting that the village was fortified with thousands of spiked planks used for defensive purposes. Hafner mentioned that the villagers had to cut down a forest to construct the fortifications, raising the question of why such extensive defensive measures were necessary. Archaeologists are still searching for the answer.
Approximately 100,000 spikes were once driven into the lakebed off the village of Lin. Hafner describes this discovery as “a real treasure trove for research.”
Lake Ohrid itself is one of the oldest lakes in the world, with a history spanning over a million years. The underwater excavations have proven to be challenging due to the dense riparian vegetation surrounding the site.
Working in collaboration with professional divers, archaeologists have been carefully sifting through the lakebed, uncovering fossilized wood fragments and valuable pieces of oak. The analysis of tree rings provides valuable insights into the daily life and environmental conditions of the area’s ancient inhabitants.
Researchers estimate that it will take another two decades to fully explore and study the site, drawing final conclusions about the village’s structure and way of life. However, each excavation trip yields valuable information that allows scientists to piece together a picture of life along Lake Ohrid thousands of years ago.
“These are key prehistoric sites that are of interest not only to the region but to the whole of southwest Europe,” said Hafner. Last month, the team of scientists presented some of their findings at a conference in Greece, showcasing the importance of their research in understanding the history of this ancient European village.