Medieval Shipwreck Discovered Near Copenhagen
Marine archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable medieval cargo ship, measuring approximately 91 feet in length, off the coast of Copenhagen. This 600-year-old wreck, named Svælget 2, is now recognized as the largest known vessel of its kind. Found during harbor surveys in Denmark’s Sound (the Øresund), the ship retains rare upper structures that offer insights into medieval maritime practices.
Underwater Archaeological Efforts
A team of marine archaeologists from Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum has been actively involved in the excavation of Svælget 2. The project, which is part of the Lynetteholm seabed surveys, is led by Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist specializing in underwater excavations. Uldum’s research aims to document medieval ship construction techniques by analyzing surviving timbers and correlating them with historical sailing practices.
To preserve the integrity of the ship’s structure, divers employed suction tools to carefully remove sand without damaging the wood fibers. This meticulous approach allowed the team to map the hull of the cargo ship while it remained submerged. The preservation of the wreck is crucial, as it provides a unique opportunity to study the construction and design of medieval vessels.
Insights into Medieval Trade and Design
Historians classify Svælget 2 as a cog, a type of broad cargo ship specifically designed for bulk freight trade. The vessel features a single mast with a square sail, and its flat-bottomed hull enables it to navigate shallow harbors. With a width of about 29 feet (9 meters), the ship’s hold was capable of carrying approximately 330 tons (300 metric tons) of cargo. This design facilitated the transport of everyday goods across extensive trade routes, rather than just luxury items.
The wreck’s depth of around 43 feet (13 meters) has helped protect it from the destructive forces of storm waves, which often damage wooden hulls. Additionally, the thick layers of sand and silt surrounding the wreck have limited oxygen exposure, slowing the decay of the wood. Remarkably, the surviving rigging, including rare blocks and tensioning parts, provides valuable information about the ship’s operational capabilities during long voyages.
Using dendrochronology, researchers have dated the oak timbers of the ship to around 1410, linking them to regional tree ring chronologies. The analysis revealed that the planks originated from Pomerania, now part of Poland, while the internal frames were sourced from the Netherlands. This indicates a sophisticated supply chain, as builders had to transport heavy oak from distant locations for assembly.
The discovery of Svælget 2 not only sheds light on shipbuilding techniques but also highlights the complex trade systems of the Middle Ages. By the early 1400s, the Hanseatic League had established a network of merchant towns that facilitated the movement of goods through key Baltic ports, making trade more predictable and organized.
While the wreck has not yielded any surviving trade goods, archaeologists have uncovered personal items, such as shoes, a wooden comb, and painted ceramic bowls, which provide a glimpse into the daily lives of those aboard the ship. These artifacts help humanize the story of the wreck, connecting it to the people who once relied on it for their livelihoods.
Danish Archaeologists Discover Largest Medieval Cargo Ship in Europe
As excavation efforts continue, researchers are focused on documenting the ship’s hull and creating a digital record to aid in conservation efforts. The careful analysis and preservation of Svælget 2 will be essential for understanding its historical significance and the broader context of medieval maritime trade.
