Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University challenge the widely-held notion that technological progress during the Paleolithic only emerged in Europe and Africa. Instead, they propose that ancient seafarers in Southeast Asia built advanced boats around 40,000 years ago. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, highlights evidence from archaeological sites in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.
The researchers analyzed stone tools from these sites, dating back to the same period, and found clear traces of plant processing, particularly for making ropes, nets, and bindings essential for boatbuilding. They also discovered remains of deep ocean fish and fishing implements, indicating that ancient seafarers had advanced knowledge of marine fauna and seasonality.
The findings suggest that prehistoric migrations across Southeast Asia were not undertaken by simple sea drifters on flimsy rafts, but by skilled navigators equipped with the technology to travel vast distances and reach remote islands. The researchers’ hypothesis is supported by their recent First Long-Distance Open-Sea Watercrafts (FLOW) Project, which tests raw materials used in the past and designs scaled-down seacraft models.
The presence of advanced maritime technology in prehistoric Southeast Asia highlights the ingenuity of early Philippine peoples and their neighbors, who likely made the region a center for technological innovations tens of thousands of years ago. This discovery sheds new light on the region’s rich maritime traditions and underscores the importance of reevaluating our understanding of human history.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-02-ancient-seafarers-southeast-asia-built.html