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New research reveals that the ship found at the bottom of the sea is much more recent, dating back to the end of the 15th century
Researchers have made a fascinating discovery on the seabed, where a shipwreck believed to be from was viking actually belongs to a much more recent period of story of shipbuilding.
For almost 200 years, archaeologists and historians believed that a set of shipwrecks in Landfjärden, southern Stockholm, and on Sweden, belonged to the famous Norse fleet, dating back over a thousand years. However, new research has challenged this belief.
The Shipwreck Museum of vrak announced that one of the wreckages, known as Wreck 5, is in fact the oldest carvel ship found in the Nordic region.
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Built between 1460 e 1480, this discovery is significant for the story of shipbuilding in Scandinavia.
A medieval shipwreck that changes the perception of shipbuilding
O Wreck 5 has approximately 35 meters long e 10 meters wide, and its construction technique is what really surprises experts.
Unlike the traditional building style viking, known as “clinker”, where the wooden planks are overlapped, this ship was manufactured using the method carvel, which consists of placing the boards end to end, resulting in a smooth hull.
Håkan Altrock, museum curator and project director, highlighted the importance of this discovery: “This ship represents a fascinating link between medieval and modern shipbuilding. It has the potential to provide us with new insights into a crucial period in the history of the maritime history Swedish.”
The historical confusion over the Viking ship
The misunderstanding regarding the origin of Wreck 5 arises from their shape and the lack of accurate dating technologies in the 19th century. The five shipwrecks discovered in Landfjärden were considered to be of the was viking since its discovery more than two centuries ago.
Only last year, archaeologists at the Vrak Shipwreck Museum were able to accurately date three of the largest shipwrecks, revealing that they date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Dendrochronological analysis of wood from Wreck 5 confirmed her age and was carried out in collaboration with experts from the University of Lund.
The results indicated that the wood used in the construction of the ship came from Möre, in the region of Kalmar, or from the east of Blekinge, in southern Sweden, corroborating historical records of the time.
This dating technique is essential, as it allows a more precise assessment of the age of the materials used, offering a new perspective on the historical context in which the ship was built.
Technological innovations in shipwreck research
To study the structure of the Wreck 5 without disturbing the wreck site, the Shipwreck Museum used advanced photogrammetry techniques to create a digital model in 3D.
This technology allows researchers to analyze the ship's construction in more detail.
You can view the 3D model by clicking here.
Furthermore, photogrammetry has become a valuable tool in underwater archaeology, as it enables accurate documentation of submerged structures without the need for invasive excavations.
This is particularly important in sensitive locations where preservation of artifacts is a priority.
Archaeologists plan to apply for outside funding to conduct a more in-depth excavation of the ship.
The objective is to better understand how the transition between medieval and modern vessels took place, a crucial process in the evolution of navigation in Northern Europe.
A broader look at shipbuilding
The discovery of the Wreck 5 is not limited to just a single ship; it also sheds light on the evolution of shipbuilding na Scandinavia.
The carvel method, which originated in the region of Mediterrâneo, allowed the manufacture of larger and more robust vessels, which were better able to withstand cannons, becoming a significant innovation during the 15th century.
This technique not only improved the carrying capacity of ships, but also transformed the way the Nordic countries prepared for naval warfare.
Furthermore, the transition from the clinker to the carvel method reflects changing economic and military needs of the time.
During the 15th century, the Europe was undergoing significant social and political transformations, including increased maritime trade and the need for protection against invasion.
This led to the need for more efficient and fortified ships that could be used for both trade and conflict.
A fresh look at naval history
The discovery of the Wreck 5 not only challenges existing theories about Viking ships, but also enriches our understanding of innovations in shipbuilding throughout the story.
The importance of this discovery extends beyond the wreck itself, as it opens doors for new research and a better understanding of the maritime past of the Scandinavia.
This new perspective on shipbuilding methods promises to illuminate the technological developments that have shaped navigation in the region for centuries.
Finally, continued research into the Wreck 5 may reveal more details about maritime life at the time, the trade routes used and the interaction between different Nordic and Mediterranean cultures.
What was once considered a mere shipwreck can become a window into a rich and complex past, shaping our perceptions of the story maritime and the legacies left by those who sailed the waters of northern Europe.
SOURCE: IGN
