Have Archaeologists Found the Oldest Canoes to Sail the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean basin is one of the most historically significant regions in Europe. It is where civilizations shaping the culture and identity of the entire continent emerged. Recent findings by researchers indicate that the potential of the sea was recognized long before the establishment of the Roman Empire. Even in the Neolithic period, communities utilized maritime routes for travel and trade purposes. This is evidenced by archaeological records of watercraft and the presence of settlements on coasts and islands. A fresh perspective on this period in history comes from the reexamination of canoes discovered in the Neolithic village of La Marmotta, located by a lake near Rome. Five dugout canoes found during excavations were crafted from hollowed-out trees. These constructions date back over 7,000 years, estimated to have been made between 5700 and 5100 BCE. <a href="https://medium.com/@darkenergyarticles/have-archaeologists-found-the-oldest-canoes-to-sail-the-mediterranean-9500808e6df0">Learn More</a>