Viking-style wreck from 12th century discovered in Germany

The 829-year-old shipwreck was discovered in Germany during the expansion of the Baltic port of Wismar, located between Lübeck and Rostock. Thanks to advanced 3D scanning technology, scientists studying the wreck can now learn its secrets.

The remains of the ship were found at a depth of just a few metres during construction work in the harbour. According to archaeologists, thanks to the seawater and silt on the harbour floor, the wood from which the ship was made is perfectly preserved and provides sensational material for research.

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The wreck measures 25 metres long and 4 metres wide, and archaeologists have determined its age to be 1188. Thanks to advanced 3D scans, it has been possible to establish, among other things, that the ship had an exposed deck and was entirely built using only axes and carpenters.

Analysis of the ship’s wood showed that it came from western Sweden. Maritime archaeologist Dr Jens Auer, who led the project, described the ship as a “descendant” of Viking ships. The ship probably carried cargo such as wood, stones and even beer. Experts estimate that the crew consisted of between 8 and 12 people.

[blockquote style=”2″]”This was a heavy carrying cargo ship of Scandinavian design, built with great care and durability… with overlapping pine planks, clinker style, with a beautiful curved design… made in a relatively quiet period of time. The Wreck of Wismar is of great importance because it tells us about the type of ships that crossed the seas of northern Europe during the medieval period. Because of its incredible state of preservation, it is a treasure trove of information that is not otherwise available,” – explained Dr Auer in a statement[/blockquote].

This remarkable wreck not only gives an insight into Baltic trade before the cities in the region formed the powerful Hanseatic League, but also shows how trade was conducted between Scandinavia and other cities along the Baltic coast. It also sheds light on the early history of the city of Wismar as a port centre.

Source: foxnews.com
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