Mystery surrounds lakeside settlement in Albania protected by 100,000 spikes

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered an 8,000-year-old lakeside village beneath Albania’s Lake Ohrid, known as the ‘Pearl of the Balkans.’ The ancient settlement, estimated to be several hundred years older than previously known lake-dwelling sites in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions, has left scientists intrigued by its unique defensive measures.

Built on stilts above the lake’s surface, the village has puzzled researchers as to the reasons behind this architectural choice. More perplexing is the revelation that the settlement was encircled by an estimated 100,000 spikes driven into the lake’s bottom, serving as defensive barricades against an unknown threat.

Professor Albert Hafner from the University of Bern expressed the complexity of the defensive structures, stating, “To protect themselves in this way, they had to cut down a forest.”

The village, believed to have housed 200-500 people, undertook a substantial and challenging feat to create such extensive fortifications. The purpose behind these defensive measures remains unclear, prompting questions about the motivation behind building the village on stilts and the necessity for the vast spike barricades.

Adrian Anastasi from the Albanian Institute of Archaeology highlighted the intricate nature of building the village on stilts and emphasized the need to understand the motivations behind such choices. The lake, among the oldest in the world, poses a unique challenge for researchers, who must take precautions to preserve the prehistoric site.

“In order to understand the structure of this prehistoric site without damaging it, we are conducting very meticulous research, moving very slowly and very carefully,” added Anastasi.

The importance of the site extends beyond its mysterious defense mechanisms, providing valuable insights into climactic and environmental conditions of the time. Researchers have already unearthed seeds, plants, and the bones of wild and domesticated animals.

As analysis continues, the site is anticipated to offer a window into the past, requiring another two decades to fully comprehend the ancient community and draw conclusive findings.