Maritime archaeologists have made a landmark discovery, unearthing the largest Viking cargo ship ever found, a find that forces a dramatic reassessment of the scale and sophistication of medieval commerce across northern Europe.
A Colossal Medieval Merchantman
The vessel, christened Svaelget 2 after the channel near Copenhagen where it lay, is a monumental structure. Dating from around 1410 AD, it measures an impressive 28 metres in length, 9 metres in width, and 6 metres in height. To put that in perspective, it is longer than two standard school buses placed end to end. This colossal size enabled it to carry a staggering 300 tonnes of cargo, cementing its status as a true 'super ship' of its era.
"The find is a milestone for maritime archaeology," stated excavation leader Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist at the Viking Ship Museum. "It's the largest cog we know of, and it gives us a unique opportunity to understand both the construction and life on board the biggest trading ships of the Middle Ages."
International Origins and Revolutionary Design
Intriguingly, analysis of the ship's timbers reveals a story of international supply chains. Tree-ring patterns show the planks were crafted from Pomeranian oak, from modern-day Poland, while the ship's frames originated in the Netherlands. This indicates that timber was exported from Pomerania to Dutch shipyards, where the specialised expertise to construct these giant cogs resided.
"The cog revolutionised trade in northern Europe," explained Mr Uldum. "Shipbuilders went as big as possible to transport bulky cargo – salt, timber, bricks or basic food items. It made it possible to transport goods on a scale never seen before." The ship was designed for efficiency, hauling vast quantities of everyday goods that fuelled the medieval economy.
An Unprecedented State of Preservation
Found at a depth of about 13 metres in conditions that shielded it from destructive coastal forces, Svaelget 2 is exceptionally well-preserved. This has allowed archaeologists to recover elements never before seen, most notably the intact "high castles". These were large, timber-built raised platforms on merchant ships that served as elevated fighting positions and crew shelters.
"We have plenty of drawings of castles, but they have never been found because usually only the bottom of the ship survives. This time we have the archaeological proof," Mr Uldum said. The discovery provides a tangible link to maritime warfare and living conditions, offering "20 times as much material to work with" compared to typical finds.
The remarkable preservation also extends to the crew's personal belongings, painting a vivid picture of life at sea. Among the artefacts recovered are:
- Painted wooden dishes and ceramic bowls
- Bronze cooking pots
- Leather shoes
- Combs for grooming
- Rosary beads
"The sailor brought his comb to keep his hair neat and his rosary to say his prayers," Mr Uldum noted. "These personal objects show us that the crew transferred their life on land to life at sea."
Insights into a Connected Medieval World
The absence of weapons or evidence of conflict strongly indicates Svaelget 2 was purely a merchant vessel. Its very existence speaks volumes about the society that created it. "It required a society that could finance, build and equip these enormous ships that served the Middle Ages’ need for export and import over great distances," Mr Uldum reflected.
This single shipwreck, therefore, is far more than a nautical relic. It is a key to understanding how technology and societal development were intertwined in an age where shipping was the primary engine of international trade. Svaelget 2 offers a spectacularly preserved, tangible piece of the puzzle, revealing the vast networks and ambitions of medieval Northern Europe.
