Assessment of the Archaeological Potential of Prehistoric Settlement Areas along the Lake Shores and Wetlands of Carinthia, Southern Austria

A pilot project in Carinthia, southern Austria, has uncovered new evidence of prehistoric settlement dynamics along lake shores and wetlands, bridging gaps in the region's archaeological record. The study, conducted between 2021 and 2024, combined archival research, underwater surveys, sediment coring, and laboratory analyses to identify and document submerged archaeological structures dating from the 5th to 3rd millennia BC. Notably, the discovery of a pile-dwelling site on Kapuzinerinsel in Lake Wörthersee highlights the potential for targeted assessments to reveal previously unknown heritage. The research provides new radiocarbon dates and insights into human-environment interactions during the Neolithic and Copper Age, reinforcing Carinthia's significance as an inner-Alpine corridor linking Europe's archaeological landscapes. This interdisciplinary approach sets a foundation for future heritage protection and regional studies.

Ries, M.-C. (2025). Assessment of the Archaeological Potential of Prehistoric Settlement Areas along the Lake Shores and Wetlands of Carinthia, Southern Austria. Ana­Lecta Archa­Eolo­Gica Res­so­Viensia, 20, 19–42. https://doi.org/10.15584/anarres.2025.20.2