Danish archaeologists unveil the largest medieval cargo ship during research for the Lynetteholm project off Copenhagen's coast.
The Viking Ship Museum has announced a remarkable discovery: the largest cargo ship from medieval Europe has been found by an archaeological team in Denmark.
This significant find occurred during field investigations for the controversial Lynetteholm artificial island, planned to be constructed off the coast of Copenhagen. Lynetteholm aims to protect the port from storm waves and create a new urban development area, covering approximately 270 acres just off the city center.
While examining the seabed between the islands of Amager and Saltholm, near the western tunnel of the Øresund Bridge, the Viking Ship Museum team uncovered a large shipwreck. The vessel, measuring approximately 30 meters in length and 9 meters in width, is identified as a type of medieval trading ship known as a 'cog.' Researchers have dated the ship to the early 1400s.
Although no cargo was found within the wreck, numerous personal items belonging to the crew were identified. The research team has named the ship 'Svaelget 2,' inspired by the channel where it was discovered. According to museum officials, the ship has an estimated carrying capacity of 300 tons, underscoring the importance of long-distance and high-volume transportation in the rapidly evolving maritime trade networks of the Middle Ages.
Excavation leader Otto Uldum emphasized the historical significance of the find, stating, 'This ship is clear evidence that there was intensive trade in daily consumer goods. The largest ships were built to carry bulky loads such as salt, timber, bricks, and staple food items.' Uldum noted that this discovery confirms that cog-type ships could reach much larger sizes than previously believed.
Investigations revealed that the planking of the ship originated from Poland, while its keel came from the Netherlands. Dutch shipbuilders were known for their expertise in cog construction during the Middle Ages, suggesting that the Polish timbers were processed at a shipyard in the Netherlands. Tree ring analyses indicate that the ship dates back to around 1410.
According to museum officials, a ship of this size was likely used for transporting cargo between present-day Netherlands and ports in the Baltic Sea, navigating through areas with generally harsh sea conditions, such as the North Sea and the Skagerrak Strait.
The wreck is reported to be in extremely well-preserved condition. Researchers noted that some traces of the equipment remain intact, and parts of the raised deckhouse at the stern are clearly visible. This discovery marks the first time a cog shipwreck with such a structure has been found in remarkably good condition.
Uldum pointed out that the deckhouse represented a significant innovation compared to Viking Age ships, where the crew was constantly exposed to the elements. Additionally, a brick oven was found on the ship, allowing for the preparation of hot meals during voyages, which provided an advanced kitchen arrangement for the period.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
