5,200-Year-Old Canoe Unearthed in Lake Mendota

A remarkable collection of 16 ancient wooden canoes has been unearthed in Lake Mendota, offering profound insights into early human life in North America. The oldest of these vessels is approximately 5,200 years old, a date that precedes the construction of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and marks a significant discovery in the Great Lakes region.

These expertly crafted canoes were essential for ancient inhabitants, facilitating navigation across the lake and access to vital resources. The discovery of fishing net weights within some boats strongly suggests their use in the pursuit of sustenance. This highlights a sophisticated level of technological and ecological understanding among these early civilizations.

Intriguingly, eight of the discovered canoes were made from red or white oak, wood typically considered less suitable for boat building due to water absorption. Scientists theorize that ancient boatbuilders may have intentionally fostered the growth of tyloses within the oak, a natural adaptation that enhances water resistance and longevity. This practice points to an advanced form of bioengineering, predating modern understanding by millennia.