Discovery of Largest Medieval Cog in Øresund Strait
Danish maritime archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Øresund Strait near Copenhagen, unveiling what is believed to be the largest medieval cog ever found. This remarkable 600-year-old trading vessel, named Svaelget 2 after the channel where it was located, was uncovered by a team from the Viking Ship Museum during routine seabed surveys for the controversial Lynetteholm artificial island project. The ship had remained hidden beneath the waters for six centuries, representing a significant find in the field of maritime archaeology.
The excavation team, led by Otto Uldum, emphasized the importance of this discovery. “The find is a milestone for maritime archaeology,” he stated. The vessel measures approximately 100 feet in length and 30 feet in width, with dendrochronological analysis indicating it was constructed around 1410. Researchers estimate that Svaelget 2 could carry around 300 tonnes of cargo, highlighting its role as a formidable presence on medieval trading routes. Uldum explained that the ship’s large cargo capacity reflects a structured trading system where merchants understood market demands for their goods.
Significance of the Find and Insights into Medieval Trade
The Svaelget 2 not only stands out for its size but also for its exceptional state of preservation. The ship’s starboard side, buried in protective sand, revealed extensive rigging components that have never before been observed at such a site. Uldum noted, “It is extraordinary to have so many parts of the rigging. We have never seen this before, and it gives us a real opportunity to say something entirely new about how cogs were equipped for sailing.”
In addition to the rigging, archaeologists discovered the first physical evidence of a castle structure on a cog wreck. This raised deckhouse at the stern provided shelter for crew members from the elements. The excavation also unearthed a brick galley made from 200 bricks and 15 tiles, alongside bronze cooking pots, ceramic bowls, and food remnants. Personal belongings, including shoes, combs, and rosary beads, offered a glimpse into daily life aboard the vessel.
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The construction of Svaelget 2 reveals the international nature of medieval commerce. The ship’s planks were made from Pomeranian oak sourced from present-day Poland, while the framing timber originated in the Netherlands. This indicates that Dutch shipwrights, known for their expertise in cog construction, likely assembled the vessel using materials transported from Poland. Cogs, which emerged around the tenth century, revolutionized trade in northern Europe by enabling the efficient transport of vast quantities of goods. Despite their large size, these ships required only small crews to operate, making them a game-changer in maritime logistics.
Uldum concluded, “The cog revolutionized trade in northern Europe. It made it possible to transport goods on a scale never seen before.” The discovery of Svaelget 2 not only enriches our understanding of medieval maritime practices but also underscores the significance of trade in shaping the economic landscape of the time.
