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Archaeologists reveal traces of the ancient Galärvegen route, used by King Charles XII in the 18th century, in Sweden!
Recently, a team of archaeologists do Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) has made a discovery that promises to change the way we understand the military history of Sweden: traces of the ancient Galärvegen route, used by King Charles XVIII in a daring military operation in the early 18th century.
The importance of Galärvegen
Located in the area of Blomsholm, in the province of Bohuslän, Galärvegen was crucial for the transportation of galleys — warships — in 1718.
This discovery comes at a time when historians are seeking to better understand the tactical movements of the king, who stood out for his innovative strategies during the Great Northern War, according to the website aventurasnahistória.
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The daring operation of 1718
In a bold act in 1718, King Charles XII decided to move twelve large warships — each weighing up to 30 tons — by land, from Stromstad to Iddefjorden.
This operation, known as Happy Birthday or "Galeras Road“, aimed to surprise the Fredriksten Fortress em Halden, and on Norway.
The king believed that by moving his ships overland, he could bypass the blockade at the entrance to the fjord and launch a surprise attack directly from the sea.
The logistics behind the operation
About 800 soldiers participated in this impressive task, which involved moving the galleys through 25 km.
To do this, they used pulleys, winches, blocks, horses and greased logs.
The complexity of this operation highlights the skill and effort of those involved, who carried out a monumental task for the time.
Modern technology and surprising discoveries
The discovery of Galärvegen was made in collaboration with the Bohusläns Museum, Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Vienna (VIAS) and the Archaeologist.
During a project ground penetrating radar In December, researchers were initially looking for signs of prehistoric settlements, but instead discovered straight, parallel structures that indicate the use of wooden logs to stabilize the soil.
The use of the AutoMIRA georadar
The new georadar system AutoMIRA, developed in partnership with AutoAgri, allowed researchers to quickly cover an area of 8,5 hectares in just three days.
This resulted in clear and detailed data, which was essential for identifying the ancient route.
Historical implications and future research in Sweden
“The discovery of Galärvegen allows us to combine historical sources with modern technology to explore and share significant parts of our cultural heritage,” he said. Roger Nyqvist, from the Bohusläns Museum.
In addition to Galärvegen, the research also revealed prehistoric graves and evidence that the site served as a hospital during Charles XII's campaign, being a burial point for several soldiers.
Experts continue to analyze the collected data, seeking to discover more about hidden historical sites and deepen knowledge about the rich history of Sweden and the world.
Did the king's idea work out in the end?
I really like this type of article, about History and Science. I wish Google would send posts only about these subjects.