How often do you think about the engineering that goes into the boats we take for granted? Probably not a lot. Yet over 7,000 years ago, people were building remarkably seaworthy canoes using the limited tools of theFor centuries, historians believed the Minoans of Crete, famed for their naval power around 2000 BC, were Europe’s pioneering seafarers. But a new study published in the journalshakes up that timeline.
Unlike the simple hollowed-out log canoes you might imagine, the La Marmotta vessels were engineering marvels. Built using four different types of wood, they featured advanced structural elements like internal supports. The discovery of T-shaped wooden tools featuring patterns of holes was even more compelling. Researchers theorize these mysterious implements were key parts of the rigging for sails or other advanced nautical applications.
The analysis concludes these sophisticated vessels were not simply riverboats but were sturdy enough for open-water voyages, potentially explaining the spread of stone tools from nearby islands to the La Marmotta site.This discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the technological limitations of early societies. “These aren’t your grandfather’s canoes,” says Dr. Gibaja.
The La Marmotta find suggests groundbreaking maritime innovations like the sail may have emerged centuries earlier than thought, opening the door to a complete reassessment of trade, cultural exchange, and expansion across the Mediterranean during this pivotal time. The researchers believe that La Marmotta may still hold more secrets, with the potential for more boats to be preserved in its vicinity. As we continue to delve into our past, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors, reminding us that the spirit of exploration and innovation is deeply rooted in our history.
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