Legends of Lake Luokesai tell of ancient, flint-hard trees that locals once pulled from the water to build their homes. Near the lake stands the famous Mergų Kalnas (Hill of Maidens), where fairies are said to light altars, and a bridge once extended from the hill across the lake. Inspired by these stories, archaeologists investigated Lake Luokesai and discovered Lithuania’s first pile-dwelling settlement (dating from 800–400 BC).
For a long time, lake settlements were considered a feature specific to the Alpine region. The discovery of settlements in the south-eastern Baltic region, in eastern Lithuania, significantly expanded this understanding. Today, lake settlements are recognized as part of Europe’s shared heritage.
The choice of such distinctive settlement locations offered several advantages. A settlement on the lake could protect its inhabitants and their property from hostile neighbours or wild animals. Living above or close to the water provided good opportunities for fishing and hunting aquatic animals and birds. The damp soils along the shore were favourable for agriculture and animal husbandry. Another possible reason for establishing such settlements was the ease of construction on soft ground, as well as the ability to preserve cleared areas for farming.
The use of certain tools and bronze items indicates that the inhabitants were not isolated from surrounding settlements. The prehistoric settlements at Luokesai were not large – they may have been home to around ten families. It is believed that the settlement was constructed relatively quickly, and its inhabitants lived there for no more than 20 years.
