Czech archaeologists discover a 7,000-year-old Neolithic settlement
Archaeologists have uncovered a Neolithic settlement in Dobren, near Kutná Hora. This site, inhabited by the region's earliest farmers during the early Stone Age, provides insight into life in the Czech lands seven thousand years ago.
The excavations in Dobren revealed the floor plans of four longhouses and nearby pits, which were utilized for clay extraction and as ancient disposal areas, containing shards of pottery, various stone tools and utensils. The first notable discovery at the site was a carved stone axe. Archaeologist Daniel Pilař explains why this discovery is significant:
“We’ll start with the first object we have here. When we look at it, on the basis of its shape and how it was polished, we can discern what its purpose was. What’s particularly intriguing is that while it was found in Central Bohemia, the material was sourced from over 100 kilometers away.”
Another fascinating find is an object that many might mistake for just a simple stone from a field. Despite its unassuming appearance, it has excited archaeologists because it is a fragment of a prehistoric mill.
Referring to this unique discovery from the newly unearthed settlement, Pilař reveals another object that was found at the site.
“We are looking at a larger stone. Stones like this were used for grinding grain, but they could also have served to crush other crops.”
Among the objects unearthed was the layout of four longhouses, each measuring 6 meters wide and up to 40 meters long. These structures could accommodate dozens of people at a time.
Archaeologists have also uncovered various utensils from the period.
“The most frequently found items are pottery shards. Some can be reconstructed into complete vessels. By examining the curves and edges, we can identify whether it was a bowl or a taller container, and through lipid analysis, we can ascertain whether it was used for cooking or for storing food or water.”
Inhabitants of the time often discarded broken pottery and tools in pits near their homes. Archaeologist Jaroslav Řídký notes that this waste provides a valuable glimpse into the daily lives of Neolithic people.
“We know they used stone tools to fell trees, process wood, and dice meat. They cultivated some of their own food and raised livestock, including cows, sheep, goats, and pigs. Additionally, they participated in activities, such as hunting and tending gardens and fields.”
However, no evidence of a Neolithic settlement can be seen at the site today; a visitor would only observe a meadow. Pilař explains why:
“This is because Neolithic settlements do not typically feature monumental stone structures which we could see. All of the artifacts are underground.”
Pilař is collaborating with his colleagues from the Institute of Archaeology in Prague to further analyze the hundreds of drawings, tens of thousands of photographs, and dozens of 3D models.
