tech
January 17, 2026
Archaeologists find a supersized medieval shipwreck in Denmark
The sunken ship reveals that the medieval European economy was growing fast.
TL;DR
- The Svaelget 2 shipwreck, a 15th-century cog, was discovered near Copenhagen, Denmark.
- The ship measured approximately 28 meters long and 9 meters wide, capable of carrying around 300 tons, exceeding previous estimations for cog size.
- The wreck's preservation allows examination of ship construction, including the stern castle, rigging, and galley, offering insights beyond typical surviving ship bottoms.
- Personal items found, such as combs and rosary beads, provide a glimpse into the daily lives and comforts of the medieval crew.
- Evidence of a galley with bricks and tiles suggests sailors had access to hot meals, a significant improvement over previous seafaring conditions.
- The absence of ballast stones suggests the ship was fully laden when it sank, though the cargo itself is missing.