Discovery of Largest Medieval Cargo Ship Near Copenhagen
Marine archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable medieval cargo ship, measuring approximately 91 feet in length, near Copenhagen. This significant find, named Svælget 2, is now recognized as the largest known vessel of its kind. The 600-year-old wreck was discovered during harbor surveys in Denmark’s Øresund, also known as the Sound, and features rare upper structures that provide insights into medieval maritime practices.
Underwater Excavation Efforts
The excavation of Svælget 2 is being led by Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist from Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum. Uldum and his team are conducting seabed surveys from a research vessel, employing advanced techniques to document the ship’s construction. The divers utilized suction tools to carefully lift sand without damaging the wood fibers, allowing them to map the ship’s hull in situ.
Uldum’s research aims to connect the surviving timbers of the ship to historical sailing practices. By examining the construction methods and materials used, the team hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how medieval ships were built and operated. The preservation of the wreck is attributed to its depth of about 43 feet, which protects it from storm waves that typically damage wooden hulls. Additionally, the thick layers of sand and silt have limited oxygen exposure, slowing the decay of the wood.
Insights into Medieval Trade and Ship Design
Historians classify Svælget 2 as a cog, a type of broad cargo ship designed for bulk freight trade. The vessel features a single mast with a square sail and a flat-bottomed hull, allowing it to navigate shallow harbors. With a width of about 29 feet, the ship’s hold was capable of carrying approximately 330 tons of cargo, facilitating the transport of everyday goods across long distances.
The ship’s construction reflects the organized trade systems of the early 1400s, particularly the influence of the Hanseatic League, which connected merchant towns and streamlined the movement of goods through key Baltic ports. Uldum notes that Svælget 2 serves as a tangible example of how trade evolved during the Middle Ages, highlighting the economic networks that supported large-scale shipping.
Discovery of Largest Viking Ship Redefines Medieval Trade Understanding
The wreck has also revealed unique artifacts, including shoes, a wooden comb, and painted ceramic bowls, which provide a glimpse into daily life aboard the ship. The discovery of a brick galley, equipped with bronze and ceramic cookware, further illustrates the crew’s ability to prepare meals while at sea, indicating a level of comfort and organization during voyages.
As the excavation continues, researchers are focused on documenting the ship’s features and preserving its remains. The careful analysis of Svælget 2 promises to enhance our understanding of medieval maritime history and the intricate trade systems that connected distant regions.
