New archaeological findings on Šćedro, a small island near Hvar, Croatia, have challenged long-held beliefs about its history and early life. Excavations in Ratina Cave have uncovered evidence of human presence dating back to the Late Neolithic period, pushing the timeline of settlement in the Adriatic back by nearly 3,000 years.
The discovery suggests that Šćedro was inhabited much earlier than previously thought. It marks a major shift in understanding prehistoric life in the eastern Adriatic, providing fresh insight into early trade, settlement patterns, and cultural development.
Historic excavation sheds new light on human presence
The first recorded discovery of human activity in Ratina Cave dates back to 1923, when renowned archaeologist Grga Novak uncovered ceramic fragments from the Iron Age.
Those remains were considered the earliest evidence of life in the cave for nearly a century. However, new excavations led by Kantharos d.o.o., with support from the Friends of Šćedro Association and the Municipality of Jelsa, have drastically altered that view.
Despite covering just a small 1.5-by-1.5-meter section of the cave, archaeologists unearthed 250 ceramic fragments, 97 animal bones, 109 shells and marine snails, and four stone tools. The volume and variety of these artifacts suggest that the cave served as a significant site for human activity over an extended period.
Charcoal samples have been collected for radiocarbon dating to confirm the age of the findings. If the results align with preliminary estimates, Šćedro’s prehistoric significance must be re-evaluated.
Ceramic evidence links Šćedro to Hvar culture
Among the most significant finds were 67 ceramic fragments featuring distinct characteristics. These include semi-spherical bowls with ringed rims and smooth surfaces, decorated with carved geometric motifs.
The style directly links the ceramics to the Hvar culture, which is precisely dated to between 5000 and 4300 BC. The artifacts closely resemble pottery discovered in Grapčeva Cave on Hvar, one of the most important Neolithic sites in the Adriatic.
This similarity suggests that Ratina Cave was inhabited at the same time as other key settlements in the region, raising new questions about its role in prehistoric networks.
Evidence of early trade and maritime connections
Further analysis of the stone tools suggests that their raw materials did not originate from Šćedro. Instead, they appear to have been transported from other Adriatic islands, mainland areas, or possibly even across the Adriatic Sea.
This supports the theory that trade and maritime routes were already well-developed during the Neolithic period.
It indicates strong connections between settlements on Hvar, Korčula, Pelješac, and beyond. Given Šćedro’s location along crucial sea routes, researchers believe the island may have played an important role in early trade and communication.
Future research to expand the investigation
Although only a small section of the cave has been excavated, the number of artifacts found suggests that Ratina Cave was either a long-term settlement or a seasonal shelter and workspace.
The next research phase will expand excavations to the plateau outside the cave, strategically located next to the sea and fertile land. Further studies may also reveal traces of the later Hvar-Nakovan culture, which remains largely unexplored.
These discoveries are reshaping the history of Šćedro and offering a deeper understanding of the prehistoric communities that once thrived along the eastern Adriatic coast.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
