Italian researchers from the Roman Museum of Civilization have identified the oldest canoes ever found in the Mediterranean. The vessels were recovered from the Seabed of La Marmotta, a prehistoric coastal settlement now fully submerged. The discovery is reported in a respected scientific journal.
Five canoes were recovered, crafted from alder, oak, poplar, and European beech. Radiocarbon dating places these craft in the Neolithic era, dating from approximately 5700 to 5100 BCE. The findings indicate that these boats were built and used thousands of years ago during a time when coastal communities relied on water routes for daily life and trade.
Researchers conclude that the larger canoes served fishing and transport roles, enabling movement of goods along coastal waters. The two most substantial vessels measure nearly 11 meters in length and about 1.2 meters across, suggesting they were merchant ships capable of navigating to the Tyrrhenian coast via the Arrone River. The smaller craft are believed to have been the property of fishermen who fished and moved smaller loads along the shore.
The excavation reveals that Stone Age shipbuilders possessed sophisticated techniques. One notable feature is the lateral reinforcement of hulls, a design that boosted durability and allowed longer seaworthiness. This level of engineering demonstrates a depth of practical knowledge about buoyancy, strength, and long-term preservation.
In a broader context, there are parallels to other ancient mound discoveries, including unusual fetishes found in German burials where a man was interred with a cart and oxen harnessed to it, illustrating diverse early transport technologies across Europe. These artifacts collectively highlight how early communities integrated watercraft into regional economies and social life. [Citation: PLOS One]