Historic Discovery of Largest Medieval Cargo Ship Off Copenhagen
A Danish archaeological team has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Øresund Strait, located between Denmark and Sweden. They have unearthed the largest medieval European cargo ship ever found, providing unprecedented insights into maritime technology and trade networks during the Middle Ages. This remarkable find occurred during seabed investigations for the construction of Lynetteholm, a controversial man-made island near central Copenhagen. The shipwreck, named Svaelget 2, is a significant addition to the historical understanding of maritime trade.
The excavation was led by a team from the Viking Ship Museum, who stumbled upon this extraordinary vessel while conducting site investigations. The Svaelget 2, a type of ship known as a “cog,” measures approximately 100 feet in length and 30 feet in width. Dating back to the early 1400s, this ship was designed to be efficiently sailed by a small crew, even when heavily loaded. It was built for the challenging journey from the Netherlands, through the Sound, to the bustling trading towns of the Baltic Sea. The voyage required navigating the often-turbulent waters of the North Sea and the Skagerrak.
Significance of the Svaelget 2 Discovery
Excavation leader Otto Uldum emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that a ship with such a large cargo capacity indicates a structured trading system where merchants understood market demands. The Svaelget 2 serves as a tangible example of the evolution of trade during the Middle Ages. Although no cargo was found on board, the team did uncover various personal items belonging to the crew, including painted wooden bowls, shoes, combs, and rosary beads. This suggests that the ship was actively used for trade and transport.
The Svaelget 2 had an estimated deadweight of around 300 tonnes, showcasing the capabilities of medieval shipbuilders. Uldum noted that the construction of such large cogs demonstrates the need for transporting bulky goods like salt, timber, bricks, and basic food items. The ship’s planking originated from Poland, while its ribs were sourced from the Netherlands, indicating a collaborative effort in shipbuilding across regions. Tree ring analysis dated the timber to approximately 1410, further confirming the ship’s historical context.
Remarkably, the Svaelget 2 is exceptionally well-preserved, with some rigging still intact. This is the first time such a structure has been found in a cog wreck site, providing valuable insights into how these ships were equipped for sailing. Uldum expressed excitement over the preservation of the rigging, stating that it offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the design and functionality of cogs. The discovery of parts of a raised deckhouse on the stern also highlights advancements in ship design, moving away from the exposed crew conditions of earlier Viking Age vessels.
World’s Largest Medieval Trading Cog Unearthed After Six Centuries
This significant find not only enriches our understanding of medieval maritime history but also underscores the importance of continued archaeological exploration in uncovering the past.
