Enigmatic Stone Wall of the Baltic Sea Revealed by Underwater Drone
Stones, predominantly the size of tennis and soccer balls, extend for nearly one kilometer under the Baltic Sea, as shown in this digital model, based on 3D scanning data. Credit: Michał Grabowski
In the depths of the Baltic Sea, where murky waters conceal mysteries of the past, lies a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the early hunting techniques of European ancestors. Amidst the tranquil seabed, scientists conducting a routine mineral survey stumbled upon an unexpected treasure: an ancient stone wall stretching nearly a kilometer in length. This remarkable find not only captivates the imagination but also unravels a narrative of human ingenuity dating back over 11,000 years.
Utilizing state-of-the-art acoustic imaging technology, researchers revealed the submerged structure, constructed of over 1,500 stones, each akin to the size of tennis or soccer balls. Positioned with meticulous precision, these stones form a barrier that defies natural explanation, hinting at a deliberate human endeavor rather than a random geological formation.
Pioneering investigations suggest that this Stone Age marvel served a practical purpose—facilitating reindeer hunting. As the last ice age waned and the Baltic Sea landscape evolved, early hunter-gatherer communities likely devised ingenious strategies to secure sustenance. The stone wall, strategically positioned at the base of Mecklenburg Bight, acted as a natural trap, channeling migrating reindeer towards awaiting hunters. This revelation not only unveils the resourcefulness of our ancestors but also offers invaluable insights into their subsistence patterns and societal organization.
The study area in the Baltic Sea. Location and relative ages of submerged archaeological sites are taken from http://www.splashcos.org. (A) Overview map of the Western Baltic Sea. Bathymetric data were taken from the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) synthesis (3). (B) Detailed structure of the Bay of Mecklenburg including the location of the Blinkerwall. Bathymetric data from The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH). Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312008121
Marcel Bradtmöller from the University of Rostock elucidates, "At this time, the entire population across northern Europe was likely below 5,000 people. One of their main food sources were herds of reindeer, which migrated seasonally through the sparsely vegetated post-glacial landscape. The wall was probably used to guide the reindeer into a bottleneck between the adjacent lakeshore and the wall, or even into the lake, where the Stone Age hunters could kill them more easily with their weapons."
Furthermore, the discovery challenges existing notions of prehistoric Baltic Sea civilizations. While numerous well-preserved archaeological sites from later periods have been unearthed along the coastline, the submerged stone wall represents a unique testament to ancient ingenuity, predating other known structures by millennia.
However, mysteries still surround this underwater marvel. Despite meticulous research, the exact purpose and construction methods of the stone wall remain subjects of speculation. The quest for knowledge persists as scientists endeavor to unravel its enigmatic origins through advanced dating techniques and landscape reconstructions.
3D model of a section of the Blinkerwall adjacent to the large boulder at the western end of the wall. Credit: Philipp Hoy, Rostock University, Agisoft Metashape by J. Auer, LAKD M-V.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond mere academic curiosity. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors, their intimate relationship with nature, and their profound ability to adapt and innovate in the face of environmental challenges. As exploration continues, the submerged stone wall of the Baltic Sea stands as a testament to the enduring quest for understanding our shared human heritage.