It is our pleasure to inform you that we are continuing the research of the archaeological site Vlaho near Živojno (Pelagonia), which are yielding excellent results for one of the first agricultural communities in Europe. This ongoin multidisciplinary research of Vlaho since 2021 includes archaeological excavation in the southern part of the large Neolithic settlement, geomagnetic scanning, as well as archaeobotanical, archaezoological and chronological analyzes taking place in various laboratories.

This year's excavations in the archaeological trench confirm the authentic character of the impressive prehistoric settlement, in which several rectangular and oval buildings, ditches, structures, highly crafted pottery, stone and bone tools were discovered. Some of the discovered architectural structures represent a unique phenomenon in the Macedonian Neolithic, which further confirms the early settlement of agricultural communities in this region and their relationship with populations from Anatolia and the Middle East. The latest findings from radiocarbon analyzes of vegetable crops and animals indicate that the Vlaho site was formed around 6400 BC. which also makes it one of the earliest Neolithic settlements in Europe. This confirms that domesticated forms of cereals, lentils, peas, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc. were present in the very beginnings of the Neolithic in Pelagonia. The discovered artifacts further confirm the high technical achievements of the inhabitants of this Neolithic settlement, which is reflected in the impressive ceramic vessels and their decoration.

Due to its uniqueness within the framework of the spatial organization consisting of a dozen ditches, as well as due to the very early dating, the Vlaho site is attracting a lot of attention in the archaeological community, resulting with publications in eminent scientific journals and lectures at several European universities and institutes. During the research, the site was visited by the Ambassador of the European Union, David Geer, who emphasized the importance of Vlaho for European archaeology, as well as the urgent need for its protection and continuous research. This site recently faced catastrophic damage due to coal mining that caused a storm of reactions in the domestic and international public, and was prevented in time due to the quick intervention of the Center for Prehistory Research, Institute and Museum - Bitola, the Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture and the Public Prosecutor's Office - Bitola. The latest discoveries during this year's research emphasize even more the unique character of the Vlaho archaeological site, which was recently presented on a lecture at the Free University of Berlin.

Vlaho's multidisciplinary research represents a multi-year continuous collaboration between the Center for Prehistory Research and the Institute and Museum - Bitola, in collaboration with prominent experts from the German Archaeological Institute, the University of Basel, the Spanish National Science Council, the University of Belgrade, the Jagiellonian University, the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia, Institute of Old Slavic Culture and Institute and Museum - Prilep. The field and laboratory research of this site was supported by the Foundation for the Study and Protection of Mounds from Germany, and the analyzes by the Macedonian Ministry of Culture. Preparations are underway for publications with the latest knowledge about Vlaho, which follow the course of its scientific affirmation in renowned European, American and Macedonian journals and conferences.

https://www.academia.edu/97179066/An_Early_Neolithic_enclosure_at_the_site

Novi soznanija za poćetokot na neolitot vo Makedonija: Vlaho kaj Živojno (Pelagonija) - 2022 / New Observations for the Beginning of the Neolithic in Macedonia: Vlaho at Živojno (Pelagonia) - 2022

Мултидисциплинарно истражување на неолитската населба Влахо кај Живојно во Пелагонија / Multidisciplinary Research of Neolithic Settlement Vlaho at Živojno in Pelagonia