Latvia conducts its first underwater archaeological excavation

For the first time in the history of Latvian archaeology, excavations have been carried out underwater. The work took place at Lake Indzers near Cepurīte island in the Alūksne district, the Institute of Culture and Arts of the Latvian Academy of Culture reported.

On the lake bed, archaeologists found fragments of ancient pottery, animal bones and a bone harpoon that may have been used as far back as the middle or late Mesolithic period, indicating a long history of human presence at the site.

Alongside the underwater work, researchers also studied the island itself, where evidence points to a long-standing ancient settlement. According to the researchers, this type of settlement has not previously been recorded in the Vidzeme region, making the discovery significant for further study of the area's prehistory.