A Discovery That Rewrites History
The stunning island of Šćedro, located just south of Hvar, has revealed a remarkable secret that is reshaping our understanding of local history. Recent archaeological research has uncovered evidence of human presence on the island dating back to the late Neolithic period—3,000 years earlier than previously believed.
Unearthing the Past at Ratina Cave
Excavations in Ratina Cave, on the southeastern part of the island, have yielded significant discoveries that challenge earlier assumptions about human habitation. The research, conducted by the Kantharos team with support from the Friends of Šćedro Island Association and the Municipality of Jelsa, has provided new insights into prehistoric life on the island.
Historical interest in Ratina Cave dates back to 1923, when renowned archaeologist Grga Novak first identified traces of human activity, including ceramic fragments from the Iron Age. However, the latest findings surpass all expectations, offering a much deeper look into the island’s ancient past.
A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
In a small excavation area measuring just 1.5 x 1.5 meters, archaeologists unearthed an astonishing collection of artifacts:
250 fragments of ceramic vessels
97 fragments of animal bones
109 shells and sea snails
4 flint tools
Charcoal samples for radiocarbon dating
The most surprising find is the ceramic fragments, with 67 pieces displaying distinctive features characteristic of hemispherical bowls with ring-shaped rims and partially smoothed walls. These vessels are adorned with intricate geometric motifs, directly linking them to the Hvar culture, precisely dated to between 5000 and 4300 BC.
A Link to Prehistoric Trade and Settlement Networks
The discoveries at Ratina Cave suggest that Šćedro Island was inhabited during the same period as key Neolithic sites in the eastern Adriatic, such as Grapčeva Cave on Hvar. This raises new questions about the island’s role in prehistoric settlements and ancient trade networks.
One of the most significant aspects of the research is the source of raw materials used for stone and flint tools. Preliminary analysis indicates that these materials were transported from other Adriatic islands and even mainland regions. This supports the idea that trade and maritime networks connected locations such as Hvar, Korčula, and Pelješac as early as the Neolithic period. Šćedro’s strategic position along these ancient maritime routes suggests that it played a crucial role in communication and trade among prehistoric communities.
What Comes Next?
Despite the limited scope of the current excavation, the sheer volume and importance of the findings indicate that Ratina Cave was either continuously inhabited or used for an extended period as a seasonal shelter. The next phase of research will expand excavations to the surrounding plateau, a site that, given its proximity to the sea and fertile land, would have been ideal for prehistoric settlement.
Further investigation could also uncover evidence of the later Hvar-Nakovan culture, a chapter of Adriatic prehistory that remains poorly understood.
A New Perspective on Adriatic Prehistory
This groundbreaking discovery not only reshapes our understanding of the Hvar culture but also provides invaluable insights into the lives of prehistoric communities along the eastern Adriatic coast. As further excavations continue, Šćedro Island may prove to be a key piece in the puzzle of early human civilization in the region.
