Scientists Retrace 30,000-Year-Old Ocean Voyage, in a Hollowed-Out Log
The New York TimesWednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:00:13 PM
A team of Japanese scientists decided to put themselves in the shoes—or rather, the dugout canoe—of ancient humans by recreating a 30,000-year-old ocean voyage. Using a hollowed-out log, they tackled the same treacherous currents that early seafarers might have faced, testing theories about how our ancestors pulled off these daring migrations. It’s part of a hands-on approach called "experimental archaeology," where researchers don’t just study artifacts—they try to relive history.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a quirky science experiment—it’s about solving one of humanity’s oldest puzzles: how people first crossed vast oceans without modern tech. By literally getting their feet wet, these researchers are uncovering clues about human ingenuity and resilience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, to understand the past, you’ve got to dive in (figuratively and, in this case, literally).
— Curated via WP Now’s
