Neolithic site Okolište, Archaeological site in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Neolithic site Okolište is an archaeological excavation near Visoko, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one of the largest known Neolithic settlements in the Balkans. The site contains remains of tightly packed dwellings and defensive structures arranged across a flat area of land.
The first farmers settled here around 5200 BC, arriving from the east as agricultural communities moved across the Balkans. The settlement lasted for several centuries before being abandoned, with no single clear reason known.
Excavations at Okolište have uncovered workshops where stone tools were made, along with ovens, fireplaces, and a large number of ceramic objects. These finds show that the people here developed craft skills that went well beyond basic survival.
The site is entirely outdoors and the ground is uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Visitors can follow marked paths through the excavation area to get a closer look at the exposed structures.
The people of Okolište grew emmer and einkorn, two of the oldest known grain varieties, and dug protective ditches around the settlement that may also have helped with drainage. This double use of the ditches suggests the community planned its space with practical thinking that went beyond simple defense.
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