Hop aboard the journey through ancient watercraft, masterpieces crafted by our ingenious ancestors!

Back in the day, people living by Lake Victoria got creative and carved out their first boat from a solid tree trunk. It was a game-changer for transporting goods and people across the lake. Fast forward to today: boats aren't just for floating—they're like amphibious vehicles, with wheels up front and a float at the bow that uses an inflatable rubber cushion. They've got all the bells and whistles, too, from anchors to rope ladders, making them handy for everything from exploring rivers to leisurely cruises. Curious about vintage boats? This article's got the scoop on five of the oldest ones out there!

Pesse Canoe

Year of Construction: 8040 BCE

Imagine stumbling upon the Pesse canoe while building a highway! Back in 8040 BCE, someone in the Dutch hamlet of Pesse probably didn't expect their village to make waves in history. The canoe, now chilling at the Drents Museum, shows our ancient ancestors knew their way around watercraft. It's like finding an old skateboard under your house—except this one's over 10,000 years old and helped kickstart human exploration across lakes and rivers. Hats off to those early innovators who crafted the original water vehicle—proof that even ancient DIY projects can make a splash in history!

Dufuna Canoe

Year of Construction: 6550 BCE

Did you know that the Dufuna canoe is the oldest boat found in Africa? Discovered in 1994 by German and Nigerian archaeologists in Dufuna, near the Komodugu Gana river in Yobe State's Fune local government area, this 8.4-metre-long canoe was unearthed from a depth of five metres underground. Dating back to the Late Stone Age, a time when humans transitioned from hunting to agriculture and animal husbandry, its discovery reshaped our understanding of ancient African societies. It highlights how early humans adapted to new challenges, paving the way for the development of complex social structures and innovative solutions.

Pirogues de Bercy

Year of Construction: 4500 BCE 

The 12th arrondissement in southeast Paris houses the Pirogues de Bercy, a fascinating collection of Neolithic dugout boats discovered during construction in 1989. Alongside these ancient vessels, relics like pottery, stone tools, bone tools, and arrowheads were also found nearby. These dugouts, carved from single tree trunks known as monoxyls, were crafted by burning the interior and refining it with stone tools. While primarily used for the transportation of goods and people, they were not particularly robust due to the absence of keels. Their remarkably thin hulls, some just over a centimetre thick, add to their intrigue and historical significance.

Khufu Ship

Year of Construction: 2500 BCE

The engineer Kamal el-Malakh made the groundbreaking discovery of King Khufu’s Solar Ship and its artefacts on May 26, 1954. This finding was hailed as one of the most significant of the 20th century. Unearthing the two holes for King Khufu’s ships, known as the Khufu Solar Ships, on the southern side of the Great Pyramid of Cheops after over 5000 years underground, generated widespread global interest.

Lurgan Canoe

Year of Construction: 2000 BCE

Patrick Coen, while on the clock with his company, stumbled upon the Lurgan boat in 1901, nestled in a tiny lake that's now part of Galway's sprawling bog. This oak giant stretches about 14 metres long and 1 metre wide—quite a catch! After a journey worthy of its stature, it now sits proudly as the largest artefact at the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street. Interestingly, Ireland has revealed more Bronze Age boats in recent years, like those from County Carrowneden and Annaghkeen. The original purpose of these colossal vessels remains a mystery—perhaps more than just voyaging on waterways! 

These ancient boats are like a glimpse into our ancestors' DIY projects—crafted without today's tools yet still perfectly seaworthy! It's amazing how resourceful they were back then!