engleski

Graffiti in the Velebit Chanel (Croatian Littoral)

On the rocks above the sea, along the Velebit coast, archaeologists have found several interesting graffiti of unknown meaning. Since ancient time, this cultural landscape was the scene of various historical events. The intensive construction of road routes and the existence of maritime routes were crucial for the economic development of the Velebit Channel. Of particular importance were the maritime routes that existed since the Liburnian times and Roman domination over the province of Dalmatia. The shipwrecks and the amphorae discovered at bottom of the sea testify to the dangers of navigation in this part of the Adriatic coast. Such dangerous places were marked by special signs, which were supposed to be a warning to those watching them from the sea. The graffiti, with their content, speak of the misfortunes of people and ships that were sunk, crashed on the rocks and disappeared into the depths of the sea with their precious cargo. We know nothing about these events, except from some popular traditional stories. Accordingly, those who survived the accident or those who were watching it from the mainland, subsequently marked the place with a drawing of ship, devil, man or deity. Thus, graffiti were a signpost to those who find themselves in dangerous places. In scientific bibliography, this graffiti are only mentioned, so the main aim, based on their detailed analysis, is to determine historical and economic context of the Velebit Channel area from ancient period to the modern time.

graffiti, Velebit Channel, Croatian Littoral, rocks above the sea, ancient shipwrecks, iconography

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