Neolithic shipbuilding: Unearthing a 7,000-year-old maritime marvel

Already seven thousand years ago, people were sailing using technologically advanced ships. Scientists reached this conclusion after the discovery of ancient boats near a lake close to Rome. The findings unveiled the sophisticated construction techniques employed by Neolithic communities in the region.

Stone Age sailors boasted quite advanced technology when it came to boat building. Neolithic communities navigated and traded via sea routes, as archaeology shows evidence of vessels and the presence of settlements on coasts and islands. Scientists from the Higher Council for Scientific Research in Spain, along with colleagues from various institutions, have detailed the Neolithic sailing technologies in the Mediterranean Basin. Their study focuses on ancient boats unearthed in the Neolithic village of La Marmotta near a lake not far from Rome.

The results and a description of the research have been published in the journal "PLOS ONE" (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299765).

Neolithic sailors from the Mediterranean Basin voyaged on decks of ships that incorporated many solutions found in modern boats. The quality and complexity of these prehistoric solutions suggest that several significant advances in sailing occurred in the late Stone Age, likely setting the stage for the conquests and expansion of major ancient civilizations.

At the archaeological site of La Marmotta, five boats carved from tree trunks were found. Resembling canoes or kayaks, these boats date back to between 5700 and 5100 BCE. Analysis revealed they were constructed from four different types of wood, a rarity in similar finds. Furthermore, advanced construction techniques were employed, including cross reinforcements to increase the hull's durability, protect it, and enhance steerability.

In one boat, researchers identified three wooden objects shaped like the letter "T", each featuring a series of holes, likely for affixing lines connected to sails. "The characteristics and positioning of these objects suggest they could have been used to secure lines attached to a potential sail or to link other navigational aids, such as a stabilizer or even another boat, thereby creating a catamaran-like double hull. These strategies would have ensured greater safety and stability, as well as the ability to transport more people, animals, and goods," the authors noted in the publication.

The scientists have described these boats as exceptional examples of prehistoric ships, their construction demonstrating a profound understanding of construction techniques and wood properties, and the necessity for a well-organized, specialized workforce.

The similarities between the discovered boats and more recent sailing technologies seem to affirm that many significant advances in sailing were made in the Neolithic period. Scientists believe that more ancient shipwrecks may be found near La Marmotta, hinting at possible directions for future research.

"Direct dating of the Neolithic boats from La Marmotta indicates they are the oldest known ships of this type in the Mediterranean Basin. This study showcases the remarkable technological advancements of early agricultural and pastoral communities, emphasizing their woodworking skills and intricate shipbuilding," the authors wrote.

The Neolithic settlement of La Marmotta, discovered by archaeologists in 1989, sits eight metres below the surface of Lake Bracciano, about 300 metres from the current shoreline. The lake is connected to the Mediterranean Sea. Excavations at the site occurred from 1992–2006 and resumed in 2009. Alongside the five boats, a rich collection of wooden tools for weaving textiles, baskets for transporting food, and other artefacts were unearthed. These finds portray La Marmotta as a thriving farming community, likely an important trading post due to its proximity to the Mediterranean coast.

The largest of the discovered boats, crafted from oak, measures about 11 metres in length. The others range from 4 to 9.5 metres and were made from alder, poplar, and beech. Given their sizes, it's speculated that these boats reached far beyond Lake Bracciano. They may have navigated the Mediterranean Sea, as suggested by artefacts found in La Marmotta, including Greek or Baltic pottery and obsidian tools from the Lipari and Palmarola islands.

In 1998, another team of researchers tested similar boat constructions for long-distance sailing. They built a replica canoe and managed to sail over 800 kilometres from Italy to Portugal.