Two Ancient Underwater Pile Settlements of Luokesai

Two Ancient Underwater Pile Settlements of Luokesai

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It is a unique, rare and important archeological treasure in Molėtai land. Under the water, at the bottom of Loukesai lake the first pile settlement was found. It represents lined ceramics culture and it is the first settlement of such a kind in Lithuania.

The first stilt-house settlement in Lithuania was found in summer of 2000 in Luokesos lake. Ancient settlement dates back to end of bronze age. It was set up in the shallow of northern bay
where it is almost 2 meters deep. Central area of the settlement was explored. Here was a living
complex. Vertical poles and parts of horizontal wooden structures survived until present times. Fragments of molded pottery, animal bones, parts of ax from stone were found in this area. Cultural layer of the stilt-house settlement is 39 centimeters thick. Birch poles are 2600 years old. It is believed that settlement was constructed pretty fast and easily due to nearby water and fertile land. People lived here for a period of twenty years. Trees were cut and used for construction at the same time. There were no corrections made later.

Second ancient settlement in Luokesos lake was found in 2001. It was located in the shallow of southern bay. It is 1,7 meters deep. Cultural layer is 35 centimeters thick. Wooden platform that was uncovered had three rows of poles and horizontal logs. Construction out of oak dates back 780 years before Christ. Fragment of pottery was found accidentally while digging.

Complex of these two settlements is an exceptional archeological monument in Europe. After ten year long excavation it can be said with certainty that people ate with spoons during bronze age in Lithuania. They also had nice pottery. Uncovered findings are being held at National Museum of Lithuania.It is a unique, rare and important archeological treasure in Molėtai land. Under the water, at the bottom of Loukesai lake the first pile settlement was found. It represents lined ceramics culture and it is the first settlement of such a kind in Lithuania.

Luokesų ežeras, Molėtų r. (55.211372, 25.434536) (View map)