World’s Largest Medieval Cog Ship Unearthed Off Danish Coast After 600 Years
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In a stunning archaeological breakthrough, Danish experts have unveiled the remains of the world’s largest medieval cog ship, discovered submerged off the coast of Copenhagen after lying underwater for some 600 years. The vessel, named Svælget 2, was found during seabed surveys conducted ahead of the Lynetteholm development project in the Øresund Strait, the narrow waterway separating Denmark and Sweden.
Maritime archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, who led the excavation, reported that from the initial dives, it was clear they had uncovered an extraordinary find. As layers of sand and silt were carefully removed, the full outline of the cog emerged, revealing a vessel that not only dwarfs previously known examples but also represents one of the most advanced cargo ships of the medieval era.
The cog, a type of flat-bottomed sailing ship widely used in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, was a backbone of trade and commerce. This newly discovered ship surpasses all others in size, offering unprecedented opportunities to study medieval shipbuilding techniques and maritime trade routes. Dendrochronological analysis confirmed that the timber used in its construction originated from Pomerania and the Netherlands, highlighting the extensive trade networks of the period.
“This discovery is a milestone in our understanding of medieval maritime history,” said a spokesperson from the Viking Ship Museum. “The preservation state of Svælget 2 is exceptional, allowing us to examine construction details rarely seen in other finds.”
The find has drawn international attention, with experts emphasizing its importance for both archaeology and history. The Danish Maritime Authority, which oversees underwater cultural heritage, has expressed support for continued research and preservation efforts. The ship’s discovery during a modern infrastructure project underscores the delicate balance between development and cultural heritage preservation.
Similar to other notable underwater archaeological sites documented by the National Park Service’s underwater archaeology program, Svælget 2 offers a time capsule into the past, preserved by the cold, brackish waters of the Baltic Sea region. The Danish team’s work aligns with international standards for maritime archaeology as outlined by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
Experts from the Archaeological Institute of America have noted that the cog’s size and construction details could reshape current theories about medieval shipbuilding capabilities and the scale of trade in the Baltic and North Sea regions.
As the excavation progresses, plans are underway to exhibit parts of Svælget 2 at the Viking Ship Museum, which already houses some of the world’s most significant Viking and medieval ship finds. The museum’s efforts to preserve and interpret this discovery will provide scholars and the public with new insights into the maritime heritage of Northern Europe.
The discovery of Svælget 2 not only enriches Denmark’s cultural legacy but also highlights the importance of integrating archaeological surveys into urban development projects, ensuring that history is not lost beneath the waves or concrete. This remarkable medieval cog ship stands as a testament to the ingenuity and reach of seafaring societies over six centuries ago.
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