Ship over 600 years old found off the coast of Denmark. Previously, such ships were only seen in drawings.
Off the coast of Denmark, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a unique medieval ship, about 600 years old. This is a "cog" type merchant vessel — the largest of all similar ships known to science to date, reports the Daily Mail.
The vessel was approximately 28 meters long, about 9 meters wide, and up to 6 meters high. It could carry about 300 tons of cargo.
Such dimensions make the find exceptionally important for understanding 15th-century maritime life and trade. The ship was named "Svelget 2" after the strait where it was found.
The vessel was very well preserved because it lay at a depth of about 13 meters and was covered with sand, which protected it from degradation. Scientists found elements of the rigging, as well as many everyday items: painted wooden dishes, shoes, combs, rosaries. All this allows us to imagine the daily life of the sailors.
Of particular value is the preserved stern "castle" — a wooden superstructure where the crew could hide from bad weather. Until now, such structures were known only from drawings, but no archaeological evidence of their existence had been found.
Another sensation was the discovery of a brick-built galley — the earliest example of this type in Danish waters. There, sailors could cook hot food over an open fire. Nearby, bronze utensils, ceramic bowls, and remains of fish and meat were found, indicating much better living conditions on board than previously thought.
Although the ship's cargo did not survive, archaeologists have no doubt that "Svelget 2" was indeed a merchant vessel. The absence of ballast indicates that the ship was most likely loaded with heavy goods. No traces of its military use have been found.
Currently, the ship's details are being conserved at the National Museum of Denmark. According to researchers, this find is a true milestone in maritime archaeology and provides an opportunity to better understand how technologies and society developed in an era when sea trade was the foundation of international relations.
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