Archaeologists have unearthed the wreck of a remarkably large medieval cargo ship off the coast of Denmark, offering unprecedented insight into 14th and 15th-century maritime trade. The vessel, a type known as a cog, represents the largest of its kind ever discovered, measuring approximately 92 feet (28 meters) long and 30 feet (9 meters) wide.
Discovery and Significance
The wreck, dubbed Svælget 2, was located in Øresund – the strait between Denmark and Sweden – during seabed investigations for a planned artificial island near Copenhagen. The discovery is considered a major breakthrough in maritime archaeology, as it provides a rare, well-preserved example of a vessel that revolutionized trade in Northern Europe.
The cog was not a warship, but a “super ship” designed for bulk transport; it could move hundreds of tons of cargo efficiently and cheaply, a capability that previously existed only for high-value goods. This shift in capacity fundamentally changed how economies functioned.
Ship Construction and Origins
Carbon dating of the ship’s wooden structure reveals that it was built around 1410. Notably, the planks were sourced from Poland, while the frame originated from the Netherlands. This demonstrates a sophisticated timber trade network across Northern Europe, with materials being imported and assembled at the shipbuilding site. The ship’s design suggests that its planks were imported while the frame was cut at the building site.
Svælget 2’s construction also featured a brick galley — the first of its kind found in Danish waters — indicating the crew cooked hot meals onboard. Well-preserved rigging on the starboard side, and artifacts like cooking utensils, hair combs, and rosary beads, further illuminate daily life aboard the vessel.
Cargo and Trade Routes
Although the ship’s cargo has not been recovered (likely lost when it sank), Svælget 2 was almost certainly used for merchant transport. It would have carried commodities like salt, timber, bricks, and basic foodstuffs from the Low Countries to Baltic trading towns, allowing for large-scale trade of everyday goods. The cog’s size enabled this, as previous trade relied heavily on high-value luxuries.
This ship exemplifies a crucial period in history where trade became more accessible and efficient. The cog’s design facilitated the movement of goods that once would have been too expensive or impractical to transport over long distances.
The discovery of Svælget 2 offers an extraordinary glimpse into the economic and logistical underpinnings of medieval Northern Europe, solidifying the cog’s role as a key driver of trade and prosperity.
