Capabilities of Ancient Humans

Thor and crew prove that for long-distance sailing, fresh balsa logs tied together with ropes perform better than modern alternatives, such as chains instead of ropes and hulls instead of logs. The logs cannot develop holes from hitting a reef, as can a hull. The ropes shrink in the water and dig into the logs, thus protecting the ropes from wear. Steel chain cannot shrink in water and might pull apart in storms.

A remarkable feature of the raft is its large storage area between the main logs and those that support the deck. Ancient South Americans could have carried plenty of fresh water stored in bottle gourds or large pieces of bamboo for long ocean journeys. The crew discovers that the ocean provides plenty of food—flying fish come on deck by themselves and are delicious. Plankton can be scooped from the water...