Remarkable archaeological discovery on Korčula capturing international attention

(Photo: Archaeological Museum in Split)

A remarkable archaeological discovery on the island of Korčula is capturing international attention.

The prehistoric necropolis at Kopila, located above the northern edge of the Blato field, has revealed unique burial structures and rich cultural artefacts that are reshaping understanding of life on the eastern Adriatic during the final centuries before Christ, Jutarnji list reports.

The site was uncovered almost by chance when a local worker was restoring a dry-stone wall in an overgrown area.

Among the rubble, fragments of unusual pottery began to surface, marking the first clues of what would become one of the most significant prehistoric finds on the island.

The dry-stone wall, once a vital boundary between land plots and a symbol of community resilience, turned out to be a guardian of ancient history.

Today, these walls are also recognised as intangible cultural heritage, and at Kopila, they offer insight into how early communities engaged with their landscape.

What sets Kopila apart is its distinctive honeycomb-style layout of stone tombs, an arrangement previously undocumented.

This novel burial architecture has prompted the introduction of a new term in archaeological literature – the “Kopila-type tomb”.

The findings include ceramic vessels of Greek origin, as well as glass and metal jewellery, weapons, and daily tools. These artefacts paint a vivid picture of an Illyrian community that flourished in the area, actively engaging with Greek and Roman influences.

Kopila not only tells a local story but also provides rare evidence of cultural exchange and adaptation during a time of significant transformation in the region.

(Photo: Archaeological Museum in Split)

The discovery highlights the sophisticated material culture and wide trade networks of its inhabitants, linking them with Faros (modern-day Stari Grad), Issa (Vis), and even the Greek and Italic worlds.

One particularly striking aspect of the discovery is the large number of child burials. Over one hundred graves were found containing only children, all under the age of three.

This archaeological phenomenon remains without a definitive explanation and continues to intrigue researchers.

The story of Kopila is now being brought to the public through a new exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Split. The exhibition showcases a rich mosaic of artefacts – from ceramics and glass to amber and metal – offering a window into the life, trade, and beliefs of this ancient community.

At the heart of the exhibition is the idea of space, labour, and landscape, as revealed through the dry-stone structures that guided the daily life and spiritual practices of the people who once lived there.

The ongoing archaeological research at Kopila is the result of close collaboration between the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar, the Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar, the Municipality of Blato, the Blato Cultural Centre, and the Centre for Culture Vela Luka.