08/11/2025
ORAH HOUSE / JAPODIAN HOUSE
A Japodian stilt house is a type of prehistoric dwelling built on stilts (piles or poles) over a body of water, primarily associated with the Japodes (Japodi), an Illyrian people who inhabited the area of the Una River valley, particularly around the modern-day city of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (approximately 10th to 4th centuries BC).
The term "sojenica" literally translates to "stilt house" or "pile dwelling." These structures are significant archaeological finds, with major settlements discovered on river islands (ade) and along the banks of the Una River, most notably at Ripač near Bihać.
Elevated Structure (Stilts/Piles): The defining feature is the elevation of the house on numerous wooden poles (stilts) driven into the riverbed or swampy ground.
• Purpose: This elevation served primarily as protection against the frequent flooding of the Una River and to keep the inhabitants safe from wild animals and potentially hostile groups.
• Location: They were primarily built on river islands (ade or otoke) or in areas prone to seasonal flooding along the Una River.
• Construction Material: The primary material was wood, used for the stilts, the platform, the walls, and the roof structure. The stilts were made from durable timber.
