First Seafaring in the Aegean: What Happened
Long before farming, towns or writing, people in Greece were already crossing the sea. At Franchthi Cave in the Argolid, excavated by the American archaeologist Thomas Jacobsen from 1967, researchers found blades made of obsidian, a sharp black volcanic glass, in layers dated to around 11,000 BC. Chemical testing traced the stone to the island of Milos, more than 100 kilometers away across open water. The only way to get it was by boat, which means hunter-gatherers were making deliberate voyages to Milos and back, probably in simple craft made of reeds or hollowed-out logs, likely hopping between islands along the way. It is some of the earliest evidence of seafaring anywhere in the Mediterranean. Milos obsidian went on to become one of the most valued materials in the Aegean for thousands of years, traded across the islands and mainland for knives, scrapers and arrowheads. These first crossings began Greece's long relationship with the sea, a bond that would later drive Greek trade, colonization and naval power across the Mediterranean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the earliest evidence of seafaring in Greece?
The earliest evidence comes from Franchthi Cave in the Argolid, where obsidian from the island of Milos was found in layers dated to around 11,000 BC. The stone could only have been brought there by boat.
What is obsidian and why was it valuable?
Obsidian is a natural black volcanic glass that breaks into extremely sharp edges. Before metal tools existed, it was prized for making knives, scrapers, blades and arrowheads, and Milos was the main source in the Aegean.
How did early people sail to Milos?
Nobody knows exactly, since no boats survive from this period. Researchers believe people used simple craft made of reeds or hollowed-out logs and hopped between islands to shorten the open-water crossings.
Where is Franchthi Cave?
Franchthi Cave is on the coast of the Argolid in the southern Peloponnese, near the village of Kranidi and close to Porto Heli. It was occupied for tens of thousands of years and is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Greece.
Why is the Milos obsidian trade important?
It shows that people in the Aegean were making deliberate sea voyages thousands of years before farming or cities. It marks the beginning of Greece's long relationship with the sea, which later shaped Greek trade and naval power.
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