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The paper discusses the results of archaeological and speleological research of cave sites conducted in the southern part of the Velebit mountain in the period from 2006 to 2016. The research area is a part of the Dinaric karst region located in the littoral part of Croatia (Zadar region). Caves are a karst phenomenon this area abounds with. However, archaeological field surveys have been scarce and the caves sites poorly recorded. The study of the Velebit mountain cultural landscape documented among other 42 different speleological structures (caves, rock shelters, and pits) with various cultural remains dated from prehistoric to modern times (some of which are still in use). The use of caves and rockshelters throughout various periods has been predominantly related to the landscape, therefore, the research specifically considers caves as important places of human activity in the mountain landscape. A certain number of caves contain archeological cultural layers which can provide a valuable data for future scientific research. Visually attractive caves, especially the ones with documented cultural remains (eg. archaeological layers, artifacts, petroglyphs, well-preserved architectural structures such as houses, etc.) have the potential to become cultural attractions of the research area. |
