Medieval 'Supership' Discovered in Denmark: the Largest Ship of Its Kind Ever Found

Explore medieval 'supership' discovered in denmark, including the key concepts, practical examples, important considerations, and useful guidance.

Archaeologists have discovered a massive shipwreck lying at the bottom of the Øresund Strait (separating Denmark and Sweden). This 600-year-old vessel is a Cog : a type of round-hulled ship equipped with a square mast, one of the most advanced ship designs of its time. Measuring approximately 28 meters in length and 9 meters in width, it is the largest Cog ever discovered, according to the Danish Viking Ship Museum.

A new milestone in maritime archaeology

The ship was dubbed a "super ship" of transport, capable of carrying hundreds of tons of goods at low cost during the trade boom of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Otto Uldum, head of the excavation team, said: "This discovery is a milestone for maritime archaeology. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about shipbuilding techniques and life on those giant medieval merchant ships."

Secrets hidden beneath the mud and sand

The shipwreck was discovered by chance during a seabed survey for the construction of a new artificial island off the coast of Copenhagen. Researchers removed layers of sand and silt accumulated over centuries to reveal the hull, naming it Svælget 2 .

Located 13 meters below the surface, Svælget 2 is remarkably well-preserved. The sand has protected the starboard side of the ship, preserving traces of the rigging system – a rarity among previous Cog wrecks. Notably, archaeologists also discovered a brick galley , allowing the crew to cook meals over an open fire at sea. Artifacts recovered include cooking pots, bowls, and personal items such as combs and prayer beads.

Northern Europe timber trade network

Based on dendrochronology (the method of identifying tree rings) , scientists determined that the ship was built in 1410. Analysis showed that the hull planks were imported from Poland, while the ship's frame was made from Dutch timber. This demonstrates the existence of a complex and large-scale timber trade network throughout Northern Europe at that time.

These massive Cog ships were designed for perilous voyages from lowlands (like present-day Netherlands) to Baltic coastal trading towns. They facilitated the transport of large quantities of essential goods such as salt, timber, bricks, and basic foodstuffs – items previously reserved for luxury goods.