The discovery comes from the Neolithic lakeshore village of La Marmotta, near Rome, Italy, where excavations unearthed five dugout canoes constructed from hollowed-out tree trunks, dating from 5700-5100BC. These canoes, made from four distinct types of wood and featuring advanced design elements such as transverse reinforcements, showcase an unprecedented level of nautical engineering for their time. Notably, one canoe was found with T-shaped wooden objects, presumed to be part of a sail or rigging system, indicating the potential for wind-assisted travel.
This research not only highlights the canoes' structural complexity but also their builders' deep understanding of materials and specialized labor. The presence of stone tools on-site, linked to distant islands, further supports the theory that these were not merely coastal or riverine vessels but were capable of navigating the open sea.
Gibaja and his team propose that these findings represent a significant leap forward in our understanding of Neolithic seafaring and suggest the Mediterranean hosted a far more advanced maritime culture than previously thought. The study opens new avenues for research, hinting at the possibility of discovering more ancient boats in the vicinity of La Marmotta.
In their publication, the authors state: "Direct dating of Neolithic canoes from La Marmotta reveals them to be the oldest in the Mediterranean, offering invaluable insights into Neolithic navigation. This study reveals the amazing technological sophistication of early agricultural and pastoral communities, highlighting their woodworking skills and the construction of complex vessels."
Research Report:The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean: The settlement of La Marmotta (Anguillara Sabazia, Lazio, Italy)
Related Links
Museum of Roman Civilization
University of Pisa
Naval Warfare in the 21st Century
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