Archaeologists in Italy have unearthed an unprecedented discovery at the bottom of Lake Braccianno—a set of ancient canoes dating back 7,000 years.
This discovery in the submerged Neolithic settlement La Marmotta sheds new light on prehistoric maritime technology and early Mediterranean civilizations, Men's Journal reported.
Specifically, the team found five canoes, which now stand as the oldest known boats in the Mediterranean region. Located within La Marmotta, the site has been crucial for understanding prehistoric life in Italy. Consequently, this monumental discovery has implications for both archaeology and history, indicating sophisticated boat-building skills far earlier than previously documented.
The canoes discovered range in date from 5700 B.C. to 5100 B.C. Each boat exhibits unique construction, utilizing different types of wood—alder, European beech, oak, and poplar—marking a distinct departure from the uniform material use typical of the era.
Moreover, advanced construction techniques were evident, with features such as transverse reinforcements that enhanced the durability of the boat hulls. Such complexity suggests that these Neolithic builders possessed a more sophisticated understanding of engineering and maritime navigation than previously assumed.
Additionally, further examination revealed T-shaped wooden objects with holes, likely used for securing sails or other nautical devices. This discovery indicates that these boats could have been equipped for more extensive travel and not merely for fishing or close coastal sailing.
Mario Mineo, one of the archaeologists on the site, shared insights into the size and possible utility of the boats. "The two largest measured almost 11 meters long by 1.2 meters wide and were likely involved in further trade considering their size and the strategic river access to the Tyrrhenian coast," he explained.
In addition, this versatility in size and construction hints at a dynamic and possibly hierarchically organized society where different boats served different functions—some for local fishing and others perhaps for longer-distance trade or transportation purposes.
Moreover, the use of multiple wood types for different boats contrasts sharply with other Neolithic sites, where typically only one type of wood was utilized across all found artifacts. This variation could indicate either a broad availability of resources or a selective approach based on the intended use of each canoe.
Alongside the canoes, the archaeological team unearthed an array of Neolithic artifacts, including flint and obsidian tools, pottery vessels, ornaments, and figurines. These findings collectively paint a vivid picture of daily and ceremonial life in ancient La Marmotta.
Niccolò Mazzucco, another archaeologist involved with the project, emphasizes the significance of these findings: "These artifacts offer further insights into the daily lives, symbolic and technological capabilities of the ancient inhabitants," Mazzucco noted. Furthermore, he highlighted the exceptional number of harvesting tools found in comparison to other sites across the Mediterranean.
The variety and sophistication of the tools and ornaments suggest a community that was both technologically advanced and culturally rich. Additionally, these findings may indicate complex social structures and widespread trading networks.
The archaeological exploration of La Marmotta continues as researchers further analyze the construction techniques of the canoes and investigate the broader historical and technological context of the settlement.
Mazzucco added, "Our current understanding falls short of precisely identifying the types of boats used, their construction methods, and how components like canoes and T-shaped wooden objects were mounted together." Consequently, he remains hopeful that continued excavations and studies will provide a deeper understanding of these intricacies.
In addition, the ongoing research promises to extend our knowledge of Neolithic maritime capabilities and the cultural and technological advancements of the Mediterranean's ancient civilizations.
