Possibly punt-like Roman vessel found in Holland

During excavations in Leidsche Rijn area near Utrecht (Netherlands) an unknown Roman vessel has been found.  It resembles a punt. A punt is a flat boat designed for use in (small) rivers and other shallow water. The punter’ propulsion is done by pushing a pole against the river bed. The Roman punt was 9 meters long and consisted of two oak boards.

Archaeological evidence suggested a medieval origin for the punt. With this newly found vessel the boattype appears to be much older. Construction details and the use of Roman nails point at a Roman origin.

Archaeologist date the excavated vessel to 200 AD. It has been found near a Roman fortress on the Dutch part of the Roman Limes were there have been found in recent years several Roman ships.

Source: RACM

pictures: Arent Vos (RACM)