Oversized Ancient Dugout Canoe Discovered Near Modlin Fortress in Poland

Near Modlin Fortress in Mazowieckie, Poland, group of searchers uncovered a dugout canoe submerged at the confluence of the Narew and Vistula rivers. This find has sparked significant interest among archaeologists and historians alike, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

A Significant Discovery in Mazowieckie

The dugout canoe was discovered by a team led by Sławomir Kaliński of the Triglav association. The ancient boat – considered to be the oldest form of watercraft – was initially difficult to identify. Only a portion of the stern was visible, making it challenging to determine whether it was actually an ancient artifact, or merely a log of wood.

 Archaeologist Robert Wyrostkiewicz, from Pogotowie Archeologiczne, was called in for consultation. Upon closer inspection, he confirmed that the object was indeed a dugout canoe carved from a single tree trunk. The canoe measured approximately 7.8 meters (25.6 feet) in length and 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) in width, making it significantly larger than the typical dugout canoes, which usually ranged from 2 to 4 meters (6.6 to 13.1 feet) in length.

According to a Science in Poland report, Wyrostkiewicz described the craftsmanship as “finely made,” noting a rectangular hollow at the end of the side, likely intended for a steering element. The boat was constructed from hardwood, possibly oak, although the exact type of wood will need to be confirmed through further analysis.

Unfortunately, the canoe was not found intact—the front part of the bow was missing.

The researchers floated the dugout to the shoreline. (pogotowiearcheologiczne.pl)

The Historical Context of Dugout Canoes

Dugout canoes are among the oldest forms of boats, with their origins tracing back to the Neolithic period. These single-trunk vessels were used extensively throughout history, including during the Roman period and later by Slavic peoples. Large dugout canoes were often employed by Slavic fleets for warfare.

While the precise age of this particular canoe is still uncertain, Wyrostkiewicz estimates it to be between 200 and 300 years old, possibly dating back to the royal period of Poland’s history. However, it is also possible that the canoe is much older, which could be determined through dendrochronological research, a method that analyzes the growth rings in trees to determine the age of wooden artifacts.

The canoe was secured by the shoreline until safe extraction was possible. (pogotowiearcheologiczne.pl)

Securing and Preserving the Dugout Canoe

After its discovery, the dugout canoe was carefully secured by the Water Volunteer Emergency Service (WOPR) from Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. To ensure its preservation, the boat was submerged in water a few hundred meters from the discovery site and covered with stones. This submersion is crucial, as water provides oxygen-free conditions that help preserve wooden artifacts. Exposure to air could cause the wood to dry out and decompose rapidly.

Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, Marcin Dawidowicz, emphasized the importance of keeping the dugout canoe submerged to maintain its condition until further research can be conducted. The find is currently awaiting the selection of a museum or research institution that can take over its care and study.

A Glimpse into Poland’s Maritime Past

The discovery of this dugout canoe near the Modlin Fortress offers a fascinating window into Poland’s maritime history. Whether it dates back a few centuries or several millennia, the canoe represents a link to the region’s past, highlighting the importance of rivers and waterways in the lives of ancient peoples.

Top image: The dugout canoe being extracted from the Vistula River location.                Source: pogotowiearcheologiczne.pl

By Gary Manners