Historic Discovery: Largest Medieval Cargo Ship Found
A remarkable archaeological find has emerged from the waters off Copenhagen, where a Danish team has uncovered the largest medieval cargo ship ever discovered in Europe. This significant shipwreck, identified as a “cog,” provides unprecedented insights into maritime technology and trade networks during the Middle Ages. The discovery was made during seabed investigations for the construction of Lynetteholm, a controversial man-made island near central Copenhagen.
Unveiling the Svaelget 2
The shipwreck, named Svaelget 2 after the channel where it was found, measures approximately 100 feet in length and 30 feet in width. Dating back to the early 1400s, this cog is believed to have had a deadweight capacity of around 300 tonnes. While no cargo was recovered, archaeologists discovered numerous personal items belonging to the crew, including painted wooden bowls, shoes, combs, and rosary beads. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the daily lives of those who sailed the ship.
Excavation leader Otto Uldum emphasized the significance of this find, stating, “A ship with such a large cargo capacity is part of a structured system where merchants knew there was a market for the goods they carried.” He noted that the discovery illustrates how trade evolved during the Middle Ages, highlighting the transportation of everyday goods such as salt, timber, and food items. The ship’s construction reflects a growing sophistication in shipbuilding, as builders sought to maximize cargo capacity.
Construction Insights and Preservation
Researchers revealed that the ship’s planking originated from Poland, while the ribs were sourced from the Netherlands. This suggests that Polish timber was likely transported to Dutch shipyards for construction, showcasing the interconnectedness of trade routes during that era. Tree ring analysis has dated the ship to around 1410, providing a clearer timeline of its existence.
Svaelget 2 stands out not only for its size but also for its exceptional preservation. Some remnants of the rigging remain intact, a rarity in archaeological finds of this nature. Additionally, parts of a raised deckhouse on the stern have been discovered, marking the first instance of such a structure being found intact at a cog wreck site. Uldum noted that this deckhouse represents an advancement over previous Viking Age designs, which left crews exposed to the elements.
“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,” Uldum concluded, underscoring the importance of this discovery in enhancing our understanding of medieval maritime practices.
