Discovery of Largest Viking Ship Redefines Medieval Trade Understanding
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery with the unearthing of the largest Viking “super ship,” named Svaelget 2, which dates back to the 1400s. This remarkable find, located in a channel off Copenhagen, Denmark, measures an impressive 28 meters in length, 9 meters in width, and 6 meters in height—comparable to the length of two school buses and nearly the width of one. Built around 1410 AD, this cargo ship has the capacity to carry approximately 300 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind ever discovered.
Excavation leader Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist at the Viking Ship Museum, emphasized the significance of this find, stating, “The find is a milestone for maritime archaeology. It’s the largest cog we know of, and it gives us a unique opportunity to understand both the construction and life on board the biggest trading ships of the Middle Ages.” The ship was designed for the efficient transportation of everyday goods, revolutionizing trade in northern Europe by enabling the movement of bulky cargo such as salt, timber, bricks, and basic food items.
Insights into Shipbuilding and Daily Life
The discovery of Svaelget 2 provides valuable insights into the shipbuilding techniques of the time. Archaeologists found that the ship was constructed using timber sourced from two regions: Pomerania, located in modern-day Poland, and the Netherlands. Tree-ring analysis revealed that the planks were made from Pomeranian oak, while the ship’s frames originated from the Netherlands. Uldum noted, “It tells us that timber exports went from Pomerania to the Netherlands, and that the ship was built in the Netherlands where the expertise to construct these very large cogs was found.”
The shipwreck was remarkably well-preserved at a depth of about 13 meters, shielded from the destructive forces that typically affect coastal vessels. Uldum highlighted the extraordinary preservation of the rigging, stating, “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.” One of the notable features of the ship is the intact “high castles,” which are large, timber-built platforms that provided elevated positions for crew members and shelter. This discovery offers archaeologists a chance to study how these structures were built and utilized.
In addition to the ship’s structural elements, researchers uncovered artifacts that provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the crew. Items such as painted wooden dishes, shoes, combs, rosary beads, bronze cooking pots, and ceramic bowls were found, indicating that sailors brought personal belongings aboard. Uldum remarked, “These personal objects show us that the crew brought everyday items with them. They transferred their life on land to life at sea.” Although no cargo was found, the evidence suggests that Svaelget 2 was primarily a merchant vessel, with no indications of warfare or conflict associated with it.
The discovery of Svaelget 2 not only sheds light on maritime technology but also reflects the societal structures of the time. Uldum concluded, “It required a society that could finance, build and equip these enormous ships that served the Middle Ages’ need for export and import over great distances.” This find offers a tangible piece of history, illustrating how technology and society evolved in an era where shipping was pivotal to international trade.
