First underwater archaeological excavation in Latvia carried out at Lake Indzeris in Alūksne district
For the first time in Latvian archaeology, underwater excavations have been conducted at Lake Indzeris near Cepurīte Island in Alūksne district, uncovering ancient pottery shards, animal bones and a bone fish spear. Research on the island revealed a previously unknown type of ancient settlement in Vidzeme.
The Institute of Culture and Arts of the Latvian Academy of Culture has reported that the first underwater archaeological excavation in the history of Latvian archaeology has taken place at Lake Indzeris near Cepurīte Island in the Alūksne municipality.
On the lake bed, archaeologists discovered ancient pottery shards and animal bones, along with a fish spear made of bone. Experts suggest the tool may date back to the Middle or Late Mesolithic period, one of the earliest known periods of human habitation in the territory of Latvia.
An unusual type of settlement
In addition to the underwater finds, researchers also studied Cepurīte Island itself. The data gathered indicate that an ancient dwelling site existed there over a long period of time. Notably, this type of settlement has not previously been recorded in the Vidzeme region, making the discovery a significant contribution to the study of the area's ancient history.
The excavations at Lake Indzeris mark a new stage for Latvian archaeology, since underwater research of this kind has not previously been practiced in the country. The findings provide additional insight into human life and settlement in Vidzeme during the earliest periods of history.
