**Medieval Megaship Found in Denmark**
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery off the coast of Denmark, uncovering the remains of an enormous medieval cargo ship that sank centuries ago. The ship, dubbed Svaelget 2, is believed to be one of the largest ever discovered, measuring around 28 meters long and 9 meters wide.
The wreck was found during a survey of the seabed in preparation for a construction project in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. The ship is thought to have been built around 1410 CE, based on analysis of tree rings in the wooden planks and timbers used in its construction.
The discovery sheds new light on medieval trade and life at sea during that period. "We now know, undeniably, that cogs could be this large - that the ship type could be pushed to this extreme," said Otto Uldum, a Danish archaeologist who led the excavation.
The cog was a common type of merchant ship used in northern Europe during the Middle Ages, known for its wide, flat bottom and square sail on a single mast. The ship was designed to carry bulk goods such as bricks, grain, fabric, and timber, which would have been stowed in an open hold amidships.
The discovery of Svaelget 2 has revealed more about the life of medieval sailors, who brought everyday items with them on board, including combs, shoes, and rosary beads. The ship's galley, or kitchen area, was found intact, complete with a fireplace where the cook could build fires to prepare hot meals.
However, the cargo itself is conspicuously absent from the wreck, which means that the ship was probably fully laden when it sank. The loss of the cargo may have been due to the fact that it floated away after the ship sank, washing up on distant beaches or in local waters.
The discovery of Svaelget 2 has provided valuable insights into medieval trade and life at sea, revealing a level of comfort and organization on board that was previously unknown. The ship's superb superstructure, including its rigging, decks, and stern castle, offers a unique glimpse into the construction techniques used during that period.
Overall, the discovery of Svaelget 2 is a significant find for archaeologists and historians, providing new insights into medieval trade and life at sea.
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery off the coast of Denmark, uncovering the remains of an enormous medieval cargo ship that sank centuries ago. The ship, dubbed Svaelget 2, is believed to be one of the largest ever discovered, measuring around 28 meters long and 9 meters wide.
The wreck was found during a survey of the seabed in preparation for a construction project in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. The ship is thought to have been built around 1410 CE, based on analysis of tree rings in the wooden planks and timbers used in its construction.
The discovery sheds new light on medieval trade and life at sea during that period. "We now know, undeniably, that cogs could be this large - that the ship type could be pushed to this extreme," said Otto Uldum, a Danish archaeologist who led the excavation.
The cog was a common type of merchant ship used in northern Europe during the Middle Ages, known for its wide, flat bottom and square sail on a single mast. The ship was designed to carry bulk goods such as bricks, grain, fabric, and timber, which would have been stowed in an open hold amidships.
The discovery of Svaelget 2 has revealed more about the life of medieval sailors, who brought everyday items with them on board, including combs, shoes, and rosary beads. The ship's galley, or kitchen area, was found intact, complete with a fireplace where the cook could build fires to prepare hot meals.
However, the cargo itself is conspicuously absent from the wreck, which means that the ship was probably fully laden when it sank. The loss of the cargo may have been due to the fact that it floated away after the ship sank, washing up on distant beaches or in local waters.
The discovery of Svaelget 2 has provided valuable insights into medieval trade and life at sea, revealing a level of comfort and organization on board that was previously unknown. The ship's superb superstructure, including its rigging, decks, and stern castle, offers a unique glimpse into the construction techniques used during that period.
Overall, the discovery of Svaelget 2 is a significant find for archaeologists and historians, providing new insights into medieval trade and life at sea.