Archaeologists recently discovered the wreck of a large medieval cargo ship on the seafloor off the Danish coast, offering new insights into medieval trade and maritime life. The shipwreck, dubbed Svaelget 2 by researchers, was found during a seabed survey conducted in preparation for a construction project in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The vessel, a cog-type merchant ship, lay on its side, half-buried in the sand, approximately 12 meters below the surface of the Øresund, the strait between Denmark and Sweden. Dendrochronological analysis, comparing tree rings from the wreck's wooden planks with precisely dated tree samples, indicated the ship was built around 1410 CE, according to the research team.

Cogs were a common type of merchant vessel during the medieval period, characterized by their wide, flat bottoms, high sides, open cargo holds, and single square sail. Their design allowed them to carry substantial amounts of cargo, making them crucial for trade and commerce throughout the Baltic Sea and beyond. The size of Svaelget 2 suggests a significant capacity for transporting goods, potentially impacting regional economies.

The discovery provides valuable data for understanding medieval shipbuilding techniques, trade routes, and the types of goods transported during that era. Further analysis of the wreck and any artifacts found within could reveal details about the ship's crew, their origins, and the destinations they frequented. The Viking Ship Museum provided the credit for the image of the Skaelget 2 shipwreck with a diver for scale.

Archaeologists plan to continue studying the wreck site, documenting its structure and recovering any artifacts that may be present. The findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of medieval maritime history and the role of seafaring in shaping the societies of Northern Europe.