Lepenski

Lepenski Vir is a significant Mesolithic archaeological site located on the banks of the Danube River in modern-day Serbia. Discovered during the construction of the Iron Gates dam in the 1960s, the site offers a unique glimpse into the early sedentary hunter-gatherer societies of the Danube Gorges. Excavations revealed a settlement with distinct features, including a series of trapezoidal houses built with stone and wood. A particularly striking aspect of Lepenski Vir is the presence of carefully arranged hearths and the discovery of numerous stone sculptures, often depicting stylized human-like faces. These sculptures are among the earliest examples of monumental art found in Europe.

The settlement at Lepenski Vir appears to have been occupied in several phases, with evidence suggesting a continuous presence for a considerable period. The inhabitants were primarily hunters and fishers, relying on the abundant resources of the Danube. The social organization and spiritual beliefs of the Lepenski Vir people are still subjects of ongoing research, but the careful layout of the settlement and the presence of the art suggest a complex social structure and a developed symbolic world. The archaeological findings from Lepenski Vir have been crucial in understanding the transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled communities in prehistoric Europe and have contributed significantly to the study of early human culture and art.