Lost City Uncovered: 3D mapping reveals hidden secrets of a 7,000-year-old civilization

Off the coast of Croatia, an ancient city that is said to have existed for 7,000 years has been discovered. Once upon a time, the Hvar people constructed a prosperous civilisation that included this city, now known as Soline. This vanished metropolis, which is currently under the Adriatic Sea, is giving historians a rare window into the past.

The Discovery: A Sunken Landscape Unveiled

Recent efforts have led to the creation of a 3D map that reveals a well-preserved landscape surrounding the submerged city. The mapping project, led by geo-archaeologist Dr. Simon Fitch, has uncovered a network of rivers and estuaries that were once part of this ancient civilization. This discovery follows the earlier unearthing of a Stone Age road, which connected Soline to the mainland.

According to Dr. Fitch, the landscape is far more diverse and “better preserved than expected”. The data obtained from this 3D mapping effort has exceeded expectations, offering new insights into the region’s ancient geography.

Advanced Technology: The Key to Unlocking the Past

The project employed state-of-the-art underwater 3D seismic sensors, which were first used in 2023. These sensors have allowed researchers to scan the seafloor and reveal the hidden landscape that once supported the Hvar people. Dr. Fitch’s team previously used similar technology to map Doggerland, a lost island in the North Sea.

In this new Adriatic project, the technology has been adapted for geological archaeology. The team’s findings suggest that understanding ancient river locations could lead to more successful excavations of prehistoric settlements, potentially uncovering further artifacts from the Hvar culture.

Significance of the Findings

The discovery of this submerged landscape is not just about mapping an ancient city. It provides crucial insights into how the Hvar people lived and adapted to their changing environment. The rising sea levels, which began around 12,000 BC due to melting glaciers, eventually led to the submersion of Soline.

Dr. Fitch believes that this research will help bridge the gap between prehistory and the more well-known eras of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Additionally, understanding how ancient civilizations dealt with climate change could offer valuable lessons for today’s world.

The Hvar Culture: A Brief Overview

The Hvar culture, named after the Adriatic Island of Hvar, was a Neolithic civilization that thrived on the eastern Adriatic coast. The strategic location of Hvar made it a significant trading hub in the Mediterranean. The distinctive pottery and artifacts found at the Soline site reflect the Hvar people’s advanced craftsmanship and trade networks.

Future Plans: Uncovering More of the Adriatic’s Secrets

Dr. Fitch and his team plan to continue their work, with further expeditions scheduled to explore sites revealed by the 3D mapping. The ongoing research aims to map both the Adriatic and North Sea as they existed during the last Ice Age, providing a more comprehensive understanding of these ancient landscapes.

The work also highlights the importance of Croatia as a historical gateway to Europe, particularly in understanding the spread of farming and other cultural developments during prehistoric times.

The discovery of the sunken city of Soline and its surrounding landscape is a testament to the power of modern technology in uncovering the secrets of our past. As researchers continue to explore this lost civilization, they are not only learning about the ancient Hvar people but also gaining insights that could help address today’s challenges. The submerged city of Soline serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing relationship between humanity and the environment.