"Neolithic Seafaring: Unearthing Advanced Mediterranean Boats"

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that 7,000-year-old canoes excavated at the Neolithic lakeshore village of La Marmotta near Rome, Italy, demonstrate advanced nautical technology. The canoes, dating between 5700 and 5100 BC, were constructed from four different types of wood and feature advanced construction techniques, indicating a detailed understanding of structural design and wood properties. The presence of T-shaped wooden objects associated with one canoe suggests the use of sails or other nautical elements. These findings provide valuable insights into the technological sophistication of early agricultural and pastoral communities and suggest that major advances in sailing were made during the early Neolithic period.