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Submitted by vicky on Tuesday, 13 January 2004
Birmingham University researchers have helped to unearth one of the most important archaeological sites discovered in the last 50 years - in a Croatian riverbed. Swords, helmets, jewellery, and axes were discovered at the Valley of the River Cetina site, which experts say could hold the key to more than 8,000 years of Balkan history.
Project leader Dr Vincent Gaffney, director of the Institute for Archaeology and Antiquity at the university, said the finds dated from 6,000 BC [editors note - I think this should be 600BC] and included more than 90 swords, a Roman dagger and 30 Greco-Illyrian helmets.
Timbers visible through the water also provided evidence of late Neolithic or early Bronze Age settlements in the area.
Dr Gaffney said: "It is quite unique to have a virgin site with this level of preservation offering environmental, metalwork, stone and timber artefacts all on one site.
"The Cetina Valley is certainly the most remarkable site that I have, and will ever, have the privilege of being involved in - a once in a lifetime discovery for any archaeologist."
Dr Gaffney said the site was of major strategic and geographical importance.
"The gorge with its mountains provided a natural barrier, but we also know that it was a border between the Venetian and Turkish empires, and between the Roman empire and the Slavic kingdoms.
"Also, as many parts of Croatia have little water, this rich, green valley would also have been important as a major water source."
The Birmingham University team were due to return to the site in May this year to carry out further surveys.
Source: IC Birmingham 13/01/2004
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