Archaeologists have made an astonishing discovery 7,000 years in the making on the seabed of the Mediterranean.
A Prehistoric Connection Beneath the Waves
It all started when archaeologists from the University of Zadar noticed strange structures off the western coast of Korčula, Croatia. Their curiosity led them to further investigations, and what they uncovered was nothing short of groundbreaking: a 7,000-year-old road, hidden beneath the Mediterranean waters.
This ancient road appears to have connected Korčula to a submerged prehistoric settlement built by hunter-gatherers around 4,900 BCE. The settlement belonged to the Hvar cultural group and was constructed on an artificial island that now lies beneath sea level.
An Impressive Stone Path
The road was made of large, carefully placed stone slabs, and it measures about 4 meters wide—wider than a typical one-way street in modern-day Britain!
The research team, led by archaeologist Mate Parica, first located the site using satellite images. During their diving expedition, they discovered the walls of the prehistoric settlement and documented the first artifacts confirming human activity, including ceramic items and flint blades.
Man-Made, Not Natural
The excavation revealed that the road was not a result of natural phenomena, but a clearly man-made structure. Thanks to radiocarbon dating of preserved wood from the area, the road’s construction was dated to around 4,900 BCE.
Why Is It So Well Preserved?
The road’s exceptional preservation is partially due to the region’s unique geography. As Parica explained, unlike other parts of the Mediterranean, this area is shielded from large waves by surrounding islands, helping to keep the archaeological site almost intact. This natural protection has played a key role in preserving the ancient road for thousands of years.
