ZAGREB, 24 Nov (Hina) - Off the coast of the island of Pašman, between Neviđani and the islet of Školjić, archaeologists have discovered a Neolithic site at a depth of five metres, dating back to the fifth millennium BC, the University of Zadar reported.

The research was carried out as part of the Croatian Science Foundation project "Submerged Neolithic Sites in the Subsea Areas of the Croatian Part of the Adriatic”, led by Mate Parica from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar.

Underwater, archaeologists identified an impressive artificial structure more than 300 metres long, located at a depth of around five metres.

Radiocarbon analyses show that it dates back to around 4700 BC, a period when the Adriatic Sea level was approximately five metres lower than today.

It is believed that the Neolithic community built a large settlement in this isolated area using enormous quantities of stone, although the reasons for constructing a settlement separated from the coast remain unknown, the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar adds.

More Neolithic structures discovered on eastern Adriatic coast

Researchers point out that in recent years, an increasing number of similar monumental Neolithic structures have been discovered along the eastern Adriatic coast. It is believed that they were built by communities oriented towards the sea, likely with a strong emphasis on maritime trade.

In addition to the University of Zadar team, the research involved experts from the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar and a staff member of the public cultural institution Agencija Han Vrana.