Summary Points
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Largest Shipwreck: Divers near Copenhagen have uncovered Svælget 2, a 600-year-old medieval cargo ship that is the biggest known of its kind, measuring 91 feet and providing rare insights into medieval maritime construction.
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Historical Trade Insights: The cog’s design, aimed at bulk trade with a capacity for 330 tons, reflects organized supply chains and the trade networks of the Hanseatic League in the early 1400s.
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Preserved Artifacts: While trade goods have not survived, the wreck contains personal items like shoes and a wooden comb, highlighting the daily life of the crew and the ship’s operational comforts, including a brick galley.
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Future Conservation: Excavation will be followed by careful documentation and 3D modeling to ensure structural integrity during conservation, as future research will depend on preserving the findings for deeper historical insights.
Major Discovery in Danish Waters
Divers near Copenhagen have uncovered a medieval cargo ship, measuring 91 feet in length. This vessel, named Svælget 2, stands as the largest known ship of its kind. Archaeologists found the 600-year-old wreckage in Denmark’s Sound during harbor surveys. Marine archaeologists from Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum participated in the project, led by maritime archaeologist Otto Uldum. Uldum emphasized the importance of documenting the ship’s structure and its historical significance. Excavation methods included using suction tools to carefully remove sand, protecting the wood fibers.
Historians identified Svælget 2 as a cog, designed for bulk trade. The ship featured a flat bottom and a single mast with a square sail, which enabled it to dock in shallow areas. The vessel’s hold could carry around 330 tons of cargo, supporting the transport of everyday goods across long distances. The wreck lies about 43 feet deep, safeguarding it from storm waves that typically damage wooden vessels. Remarkably, thick layers of sand and silt slowed the decay of its wood, allowing for the preservation of rare rigging components.
Insights into Medieval Trade Practices
Researchers used dendrochronology to date the oak timbers of the ship to around 1410. The analysis revealed that wood came from various regions, including Pomerania and the Netherlands, indicating a coordinated supply chain. Uldum explained that the size and operation of such a vessel required established trade networks. By the early 1400s, the Hanseatic League facilitated trade between merchant towns, making cargo sales more reliable.
While much of the cargo perished during the sinking, the excavation has yielded intriguing artifacts. Archaeologists discovered items like shoes, a wooden comb, and painted ceramic bowls, which highlight daily life aboard. Additionally, remnants of a galley, or cooking area, suggest that crew members enjoyed comfort during long voyages. Researchers created 3D models of the wreck to ensure careful documentation before further excavation and conservation. Future efforts will focus on preserving the wood and analyzing details that offer deeper insights into medieval maritime practices.
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