The first boat in human history is believed to have been created by prehistoric peoples around 10,000 years ago. While it is difficult to attribute the invention of the boat to a specific individual or group, archaeological evidence suggests that early humans made simple dugout canoes from tree trunks.
These early boats were likely used for fishing and transportation across rivers and lakes, significantly impacting the way communities developed and traded. As societies advanced, so did boat design, leading to the construction of vessels from various materials, which allowed for exploration and trade over greater distances.
Though we cannot pinpoint a single creator, the innovation of the boat was a collaborative effort that emerged from the needs of early humans to navigate their environments and exploit marine resources.