Excavations of 7,000-year-old Underwater Village Reveal Use of Advanced Nautical Technology

The Debrief ^ | March 20, 2024 | Christopher Plain

[SunkenCiv]

Archaeological excavations off the coast of Rome in the Mediterranean Sea reveal that Stone Age people living over 7,000 years ago utilized sophisticated manufacturing techniques and advanced nautical technology in the construction and operation of their seafaring vessels.

According to an analysis published in the journal PLOS ONE, the ancient seafaring vessels discovered at the site are the oldest ever found in the Mediterranean, which may offer "invaluable insights" into the technological sophistication employed by Neolithic navigators...

According to the researchers, they found five dugout canoes in the ancient lakeshore village of La Marmotta near the coast of Rome, Italy, dating from 5,700-5,100 B.C. While they already knew that ancient seafarers traded throughout the Mediterranean, the dugout canoes revealed signs of advanced nautical technology not previously found in Stone Age vessels.

For example, the boats contain what the researchers describe as "advanced construction techniques," including transverse reinforcements. The researchers behind the unique find say these advanced construction elements "would have increased the durability of the hull and protected it, as well as improving its handling."

One of the canoes also contained the remains of three t-shaped wooden objects that had a series of holes in them. In more modern vessels, such devices are used to fasten and operate sails.

[MikelTackNailer]

I hear you. There’s so many polar bears right now they’re fighting over the Coca-Colas.