The Lost Archaeological Heritage of the Neretva Valley: Analysing Some of Basler’s Field Notes

Abstract

In this paper, the focus is on the archaeological sites submerged by the Jablaničko Lake, specifically their valorization through archaeological surveying and research carried out by archaeologist Đuro Basler. His investigations produced important results and significantly influenced the formation of our understanding of the past of this area. Most of these sites are no longer accessible to archaeological and historical science, as they now lie beneath the soil and water of this artificial reservoir. Basler published a study on these sites and also left notes in his field diaries, which are today preserved among his legacy in the Franciscan Museum and Gallery in Široki Brijeg. Considering the fact that only a few sites in this region have been systematically researched, this paper treats his investigations as a historical source for understanding the past of this area.