Five boats discovered at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea were used more than 7,000 years ago for fishing by people living in a Neolithic village near modern-day Rome, Italy.
According to a study recently published in the journal PLOS One, archaeologists found these boats off the Italian coast at La Marmotta, a prehistoric coastal settlement submerged underwater, during excavation efforts.
The large dugout canoes—constructed from European oak—were dated using radiocarbon dating to between 5700 and 5100 BCE. These are the oldest boats ever discovered in the Mediterranean.
The oldest boat recently discovered at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.
Co-author of the study Mario Mineo, an archaeologist and director coordinator at the Museum of Civilization in Rome, Italy, stated: “One of the smallest boats was likely used for fishing. The two largest measure nearly 11 meters long and 1.2 meters wide and were possibly used for trading.”
The boat builders also employed advanced techniques in ship construction. For instance, they incorporated cross beams, which would enhance the durability of the hull.
Senior study author Niccolò Mazzucco, a senior researcher at the Department of Civilization and Forms of Knowledge at the University of Pisa in Italy, commented: “The shipbuilding techniques and materials used demonstrate a profound understanding of shipbuilding. This is significant as it reflects the craftsmanship and skills of ancient peoples in utilizing natural resources to create effective means of transportation.”
Mazzucco added: “These advancements indicate a deeper understanding of maritime technology and navigation, with boats equipped for long journeys. However, we have not yet precisely identified the types of boats used, the shipbuilding methods, or how the boat components were joined together, whether by rope, wooden pegs, or other means.”
Mazzucco noted that the boat builders’ ability to select the type of wood for their vessels is also noteworthy, as it indicates they knew which trees could be used for shipbuilding. In contrast, at other Neolithic sites where more than one boat has been found, the same species of wood is often used for boat construction.
According to the study, in addition to the boats, archaeologists also discovered numerous artifacts scattered around the area, including flint and obsidian tools, ceramic vessels, figurines, and ornaments.
