Obsidian trade network existed 20,000 years ago. Pantelleria Island was an important source of obsidian Obsidian was transported from Pantelleria throughout the Mediterranean This created the first major trade network dating to at least 20,000 years ago

Pantelleria Island was a major obsidian source, creating the Mediterranean's first major trade network at least 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. Boats carried obsidian across the region—a sophisticated seafaring culture long before written records. 🚢⛵

Key facts claimed:

- Pantelleria Island was an important source of obsidian

- Obsidian was transported from Pantelleria throughout the Mediterranean

- This created the first major trade network dating to at least 10,000 years ago (not 20,000 years)

- People traveled by boat to collect obsidian rocks

Key Facts

  • Pantelleria Island was an important source of obsidian
  • Obsidian was transported from Pantelleria throughout the Mediterranean
  • This created the first major trade network dating to at least 20,000 years ago
  • People traveled by boat to collect obsidian rocks

Related site: Pantelleria — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Ep. 8 - The Shaman and the Philosopher - One-Eyed Giant by Institute for Natural Philosophy