In the summer of 2000, the first pile dwelling in Lithuania was discovered in Lake Luokesai, Molėtai district, dating back to the end of the Bronze Age. The ancient dwelling of Luokesai was founded on the bay of the northern shore, in the shallows of the lake. The depth of the shallows is up to 1,9 m. After a few years, the central area of the dwelling was investigated, which is the former territory of the residential complex. Vertical poles and horizontal parts of wooden structures have survived to this day. During the excavation of the settlement, fragments of molded pottery, animal bones, and parts of stone axes were found. The cultural layer of this settlement reaches 39 cm. The found poles are mostly made of birch, their age is around 600 BC. It is believed that the settlement was built relatively quickly and easily due to the fertile land and water nearby. People lived in this settlement for no more than 20 years. Trees were cut down for the construction of the settlement during that period. There are no subsequent repairs.
In 2001, during exploration of this lake, the second ancient dwelling of Luokesai was discovered. It was founded on the southern part of Luokesai Lake, in a horn-shaped shallow. The depth of the shallows is up to 1,7 m. The cultural layer of this settlement reaches 35 cm. A little later, a wooden platform made of three rows of poles and horizontal logs was uncovered. The oak pile constructions date back to around 780 BC. A shard of pottery was also found during the excavation.
The complex of these settlements is considered a unique European archaeological monument. After more than 10 years of archaeological research, it can now be said that in the Bronze Age in Lithuania people ate with spoons and had beautiful utensils. The recovered finds are kept in the National Museum of Lithuania.
