engleski

The underwater interdisciplinary project in Caska bay, Pag island

The theme of this report is presentation of the results of underwater archaeological excavations started in 2005 within several year long project Research, protection and presentation of the complex archaeological site at Caska in the organization of the Department od Underwater Archaeology of the Croatian Institute of Restoration, the Department of Archaeology and the Department of History of the University of Zadar, and Archaeological Museum in Zadar. The creation of the project was initiated by long term devastation of the archaeological finds due to negative natural factors and anthropogenic activities. Complex nature of this site imposed interdisciplinary approach of the research, therefore Croatian Geological Institute and the firms Geographica d.o.o and Geoarheo d.o.o were involved in the project, making geodetical and photogrammetric documentation of the archaeological remains. Settlement at Caska near Novalja at the island of Pag presents a part of the complex comprising sites from wide chronological range, since prehistory untill New Age. Ancient remains are very numerous and they show exceptional importance of this region in the first centuries AD, which is strongly confirmed by the remains of the complex water supply system Kolan – Caska – Novalja. Exploration of the undersea at Caska revealed the remains of ancient stone breakwater which were documented. Cultural layer with archaeological material characteristic for other ancient ports from 1st to 3rd century was confirmed with several probes next to the breakwater. Wooden ancient anchor was found at the same place, preserved completely. Remains of the ancient architecture are visible on the shore, from the breakwater to the bottom of the bay. Parts of these remains are sunken because of the sea level rising. It is probable that these remains served as an inspiration for legends about the mysterious sunken town. Integration and interpretation of the information acquired in underwater and on shore explorations, as well as the data from all other disciplines participating in the project, will offer a basis for better understanding and wider and more complete picture of the past of this important sea-oriented site. Finally, cultural heritage explored in such a way should be integrated in economic and social life of the community through quality presentation, becoming in that way one of the basis of the viable development.

Caska bay; Pag Island; systematic underwater archaeological investigations; Roman port; wooden Roman anchor; serilia

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