"Uncovering the Secrets of Cambridgeshire's Ancient Log Boats"
A remarkable discovery in a Cambridgeshire quarry has shed new light on prehistoric life, revealing three rare bronze and iron age log boats that have lain undisturbed for over 3,000 years. The vessels, found among nine others in the same site, are believed to date back between 2,500 and 3,500 years ago.
Analysis of the boats has provided valuable insights into prehistoric carpentry and construction techniques, as well as transportation methods. The researchers have identified the specific tree species used for the boats, felling methods, and tools employed in their creation. Log boats were simple vessels made by hollowing out a single tree trunk.
The three boats now on permanent display include a middle-bronze age 6.3-metre oak vessel with areas of charring inside, a 2.2 metre-fragment of a middle-bronze age oak boat featuring an intricate repair within the hull, and a 0.8 metre-fragment of an early bronze age boat made of field maple.
These ancient boats offer a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, who used them to navigate the fenland rivers for nearly a millennium. The researchers believe that the boats were used not only for transportation but also to lay fish traps and transport people alongside animals and materials.
The discovery has sparked excitement among archaeologists, with one researcher describing it as an "amazing discovery". The conservation project, funded by Forterra, Historic England, and Peterborough city council, has been hailed as a success, providing a powerful reconnection with the past.
A remarkable discovery in a Cambridgeshire quarry has shed new light on prehistoric life, revealing three rare bronze and iron age log boats that have lain undisturbed for over 3,000 years. The vessels, found among nine others in the same site, are believed to date back between 2,500 and 3,500 years ago.
Analysis of the boats has provided valuable insights into prehistoric carpentry and construction techniques, as well as transportation methods. The researchers have identified the specific tree species used for the boats, felling methods, and tools employed in their creation. Log boats were simple vessels made by hollowing out a single tree trunk.
The three boats now on permanent display include a middle-bronze age 6.3-metre oak vessel with areas of charring inside, a 2.2 metre-fragment of a middle-bronze age oak boat featuring an intricate repair within the hull, and a 0.8 metre-fragment of an early bronze age boat made of field maple.
These ancient boats offer a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, who used them to navigate the fenland rivers for nearly a millennium. The researchers believe that the boats were used not only for transportation but also to lay fish traps and transport people alongside animals and materials.
The discovery has sparked excitement among archaeologists, with one researcher describing it as an "amazing discovery". The conservation project, funded by Forterra, Historic England, and Peterborough city council, has been hailed as a success, providing a powerful reconnection with the past.
I've always thought that log boats were super cool, but this discovery is taking it to a whole new level. The fact that they're giving us insight into the construction techniques and tools used back then is seriously awesome. And can you believe these vessels are over 2,500 years old? It's like, we're literally talking to our ancestors here! 
What I find really interesting is how they were used for more than just transportation – laying fish traps and transporting people with animals... it's crazy! 
Anyways, this discovery has got me all excited about history and the past. Can't wait to see these boats in person! 
I'm loving this ancient log boat find! It's like something straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean 
. The fact that these vessels have been hidden away for 3,000 years and still hold secrets about prehistoric life is just mind-blowing 
. I mean, can you imagine sailing on one of those things? Navigation by starlight and navigating rivers through the fenland – it's like something from a time-travel adventure 
. And the best part? We get to learn more about how our ancestors lived, worked, and interacted with their environment. It's so cool that we can actually see these log boats in person now! The fact that they were made from specific tree species and used for both transportation and fishing is just fascinating 
I mean, seriously though, it's crazy to think that these vessels were used to transport people and stuff alongside animals. It sounds like a scene from Game of Thrones but without the dragons 
... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cool that we're learning more about our ancestors and all, but can't they just use social media to share this info instead of making a big fuss about it? Like, have you seen the quality of those old boats? They're literally falling apart 
. And 3,000 years old? That's like, so last season... 
.
. i'm so glad they've got it on permanent display now, can't wait to see them in person when i visit cambridgeshire next month 
the fact that they were used for both transportation and fishing makes me think about how connected we are to nature...
This latest find is absolutely fascinating! The level of detail that's come to light about these ancient log boats is simply captivating - from the specific tree species used (oak and field maple) to the tools employed in their construction. It's mind-blowing to think that these vessels were built using only basic techniques, yet still managed to provide a means of transportation for nearly a millennium. The fact that we can learn so much about prehistoric life through these discoveries is just incredible - it really puts into perspective how advanced our ancestors must have been. And the use of log boats to lay fish traps and transport people alongside animals is just another testament to their ingenuity! 
and the fact that they found multiple boats in the same site is just mind-blowing 
The researchers have uncovered some pretty cool details too - like the specific tree species used and the tools employed in construction 
It's awesome to see how these ancient vessels can give us a glimpse into our ancestors' lives, especially when it comes to transportation and trade 
