Archaeologists have discovered the largest medieval cog-type trading ship found so far in the waters of the Øresund Strait near Copenhagen.
Publika.az reports that the "Independent" newspaper wrote about this.
The Viking Ship Museum stated that the discovery of the ship named "Svaelget 2" changes the perceptions about the scale of trade in Northern Europe in the 15th century.
The ship, 28 meters long, 9 meters wide, and 6 meters high, was built around the year 1410. It could carry approximately 300 tons of cargo, which is a record figure for such ships.
The head of the excavation, maritime archaeologist Otto Uldum, called this discovery a major milestone in maritime archaeology. He said it created new understanding about how the largest trading ships of the middle ages were built and preserved.
Otto Uldum said that the shipbuilders specially designed the ship to carry as much cargo as possible, including salt, wood, bricks, and food products.
It is noted that the planks were brought from two regions: oak planks from Pomerania (modern Poland), and the frame from the Netherlands. Scientists believe the ship was constructed in the Netherlands.
The ship was perfectly preserved at a depth of about 13 meters thanks to a protective layer of mud. Archaeologists found tall "castles," remains of a brick kitchen, and personal belongings of the sailors: shoes, combs, prayer beads, bronze vessels, and ceramic pots.
Otto Uldum noted that these items show that the crew members carried with them a familiar terrestrial lifestyle. Since there was no weapon or sign of fighting on the ship, it is assumed to have been intended purely for trade.
