Neolithic Mega-Site uncovered in Serbia!

In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have uncovered a Neolithic mega-site dating back 7000 years near the village of Jarkovac in Serbia. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible by the diligent efforts of a team from the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS, a collaborative initiative involving various esteemed research institutions.

A geophysical study conducted near the Tamis River in Serbia’s Vojvodina province revealed a 13-hectare settlement fortified with defensive ditches. The artifacts found on the site point to its affiliation with the Vinca culture, also known as the Turdas culture, which thrived in Southeast Europe from 5400 to 4500 BC. Renowned for their construction of mega-site settlements, the Vinca people left a lasting mark on the landscape, with their settlements often surpassing those of contemporary cultures in size and complexity.

Photo Credit: ROOTS

Fynn Wilkes, a doctoral student and co-team leader from ROOTS, expressed awe at the scale of the settlement, emphasizing the invaluable insights provided by the geophysical data into its ancient structure. Intriguingly, evidence of burnt houses hints at possible conflict or abandonment, shedding light on the turbulent history of the region during the Neolithic era.

The excavation also yielded material traces of the Banat culture, a regional group that emerged in the Banat area of the Pannonian Basin. This discovery is particularly significant, given the scarcity of settlements associated with the Banat culture in present-day Serbia.

In addition to their findings in Serbia, the research team collaborated with partners from the Janus Pannonius Museum in Pécs to investigate Late Neolithic circular features known as “rondels” in Hungary. These features, attributed to the Lengyel culture, offer further insights into the cultural dynamics of the region during this period.

The discovery of the Neolithic mega-site near Jarkovac underscores the importance of ongoing archaeological research in unraveling the mysteries of our ancient past. As scholars continue to delve into these historical narratives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human civilization and the enduring legacy of our ancestors.