Fully dense ceramic-carbon-nanotube composites with homogeneously distributed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (see Figure; inset shows a single MWCNT) have been synthesized by a unique method, which uses a polymer-derived ceramic as the composite matrix. Composites with an MWCNT fraction of 6.4 vol.-% had significantly increased Young's moduli, hardness, and damage resistance, compared to the values for the pure ceramic matrix.