Neolithic site Okolište

Neolithic site Okolište, a national monument in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the largest site of the Neolithic Butmir culture. Located northwest of Visoko, it covers about 7 hectares in the Visoko basin, a key area for Neolithic settlements in Central Bosnia dating back to around 5200 BC. Research, including geomagnetic surveys and excavations, revealed a well-structured settlement with around 54 houses, indicating sophisticated multi-room designs and dual furnaces per house. Excavations uncovered 7 houses, numerous workshops, stone tool manufacturing sites, and ceramic artifacts from the Butmir II and III cultures (4800-4700 BCE). The estimated population was about 1000, indicating a densely populated area. The economy was based on agriculture, focusing on grains like emmer, einkorn, barley, and millet, supplemented by animal husbandry and limited hunting, with cattle being particularly important. Nearby Donje Moštre offers additional insights with its Neolithic and Chalcolithic artifacts. This place has garnered international attention, particularly from German researchers. Their meticulous excavations and studies have unearthed a trove of historical treasures, shedding light on the complex lives of our Neolithic ancestors. These invaluable findings are now carefully preserved in the Native Museum of Visoko, a testament to the region's rich heritage. Yet, this remarkable site still holds many secrets, with vast areas remaining unexplored. As research continues, each discovery at Okolište promises to further unravel the intricate tapestry of our shared human past.