Discovery of Largest Medieval Cargo Ship in Danish Waters
Marine archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Danish waters, unveiling what is believed to be the largest medieval cargo ship ever documented. This significant find, named Svælget 2, has the potential to transform historians’ understanding of seaborne trade during the Middle Ages. The ship was located in the Øresund Strait, a vital maritime corridor that has connected the Baltic Sea and the North Sea for centuries.
Shipwreck Found During Construction Work
The wreck of Svælget 2 was uncovered approximately 43 feet below the surface during seabed surveys related to the construction of Copenhagen’s new Lynetteholm district. Researchers from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, who are leading the investigation, estimate that the ship was built around 1410. Measuring roughly 92 feet long, 30 feet wide, and nearly 20 feet high, it boasts an estimated carrying capacity of about 300 tons.
This remarkable size makes Svælget 2 the largest known example of a “cog,” a type of merchant vessel that played a crucial role in medieval trade across northern Europe. The discovery not only highlights the ship’s dimensions but also its historical significance in understanding the scale of maritime commerce during that era.
Exceptional Preservation and Insights into Medieval Trade
One of the most striking aspects of the wreck is its exceptional state of preservation. Unlike many shipwrecks, which typically only preserve the lower hull, Svælget 2’s remains include parts of the rigging and upper structures, offering a rare glimpse into medieval shipbuilding techniques. Archaeologists have also recovered various everyday objects from the site, such as cooking utensils, pottery, shoes, and wooden combs, which provide insights into life aboard the vessel.
While the original cargo has not been found, researchers speculate that items like barrels of salt or textiles may have been lost when the ship sank. The discovery of Svælget 2 extends beyond mere shipbuilding details; it offers rare evidence about 15th-century trade routes and the organization of maritime logistics during the late Middle Ages. The preservation of this ship allows scholars to gain a deeper understanding of how large cargo vessels operated and how goods were transported across medieval Europe.
World’s Largest Medieval Trading Cog Unearthed After Six Centuries
In essence, Svælget 2 is not only a technological milestone but also serves as a window into medieval society. Its impressive size reflects the economic structures and infrastructure that supported long-distance trade over 600 years ago, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of historical commerce.
