La Marmotta

The La Marmotta archeological site was a Stone Age village that is now buried beneath the mud of an Italian lake. Excavating the site has uncovered all sorts of artifacts, including a full-scale canoe and several models of this craft. Unlike modern-day canoes, this one was formed from a single tree trunk. The workers used tools to carve out a long central cavity in which the crew sat. Evidence suggests that two canoes might have been joined in a catamaran arrangement. In addition, sails could have been used to exploit wind power.

published online November 1, 2002

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