Lost Worlds Found: Satellite Uncover Serbia's Ancient Past
Serbia's rich historical heritage has been further unveiled as satellite images have exposed hidden Bronze Age settlements, bringing to light 100 previously unknown sites. The discovery sheds new light on the region's past and connects it to ancient civilizations like the Myceneans, ancient Egyptians, and Babylon. An international research team, comprising members from Serbia, Ireland, England, and Slovenia, initiated the project in 2015. By analyzing aerial surveying and satellite imagery, they identified over 100 habitations on the Pannonian Plane in Northeast Serbia. These settlements were characterized by large enclosures, protected by ditches and earthen ramparts, some spanning over 2,400 acres with extensive defensive works. The enclosures, strategically positioned near major rivers such as the Tisza, Bega, and Timis, formed a north-south corridor believed to be part of the Lower Pannonian Network, a crucial trade route for bronze connecting the region to the Mediterranean. Excavations conducted on foot within these sites uncovered invaluable artifacts such as household refuse, pottery shards, animal bones, and other remnants, allowing for radiocarbon dating that established a timeline from approximately 1,600 BCE to 1,200 BCE. While definitive details about the ancient inhabitants and their way of life remain elusive, the proximity of the enclosures suggests a potential collective effort by a clan or a small group of families involved in the bronze trade. This groundbreaking discovery not only redefines our understanding of the late Bronze Age but also opens up new avenues for further exploration and research. The interconnectedness of these sites reveals a complex network of trade and cultural exchange that spanned vast distances and transcended linguistic and geographic barriers. The revelation of these hidden settlements underscores Serbia's significant role in the ancient world and invites us to reimagine the past through a newfound lens of historical richness and connectivity.
