- Wreck 5, the oldest confirmed carvel-built ship in the Nordic region, was discovered off Sweden’s coast.
- Dating back to the 1480s or earlier, it marks a shift from Viking-era clinker-built ships to stronger carvel-built vessels.
- Dendrochronological analysis confirms the timber came from southern Sweden, aligning with historical shipbuilding records.
- Photogrammetry has been used to create a digital model for further study and preservation.
Maritime archaeologists from Stockholm’s Museum of Wrecks (Vrak) have uncovered a significant piece of Nordic maritime history. Lying beneath the waters of Landfjärden, south of Stockholm, Wreck 5 has been identified as the oldest known carvel-built vessel in the region. Estimated to have been constructed in the 1480s or possibly as early as the 1460s, this ship provides valuable insight into the evolution of shipbuilding in Northern Europe, according to Archaeology News of Magazine.
A Link Between Medieval and Modern Shipbuilding
Håkan Altrock, museum curator and project leader, highlighted the importance of the discovery, describing Wreck 5 as a crucial link between medieval and modern ship construction. The vessel measures approximately 30 meters (98 ft) in length and 7 meters (23 ft) in width. Its remarkable preservation includes an upright sternpost and rudder, allowing researchers to analyze its original structure.
Carvel Construction: A Maritime Evolution
Unlike the clinker-built Viking ships, which were constructed with overlapping planks, Wreck 5 features a carvel-built hull—a method that involves laying planks edge to edge, creating a smooth surface. Originating in the Mediterranean around the seventh century CE, the carvel technique spread to Northern Europe and played a crucial role in strengthening ships. Researchers suggest that its adoption in the 15th century was driven by the increasing use of cannons on ships, necessitating sturdier hulls to withstand enemy fire.
Scientific Analysis and Historical Context
Experts from Lund University conducted dendrochronological testing on the ship’s timber, confirming that the wood originated from Möre in the Kalmar region or eastern Blekinge in southern Sweden. This aligns with historical records that indicate continental European influences on Swedish shipbuilding in the late 15th century.
Revisiting Landfjärden’s Shipwrecks
Wreck 5 is part of a group of five known shipwrecks in the Landfjärden area. For many years, these wrecks were believed to be Viking ships, possibly linked to the legendary naval battle of Olaf the Holy, King of Norway. However, recent studies have revised these assumptions, revealing that most of these wrecks date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, while Wreck 5 stands as the oldest among them.
Digital Preservation and Future Research
To study Wreck 5 in greater detail, the Museum of Wrecks has employed photogrammetry, creating a high-resolution digital model of the ship. This technique allows researchers to examine its structure virtually, ensuring further analysis and preservation of this extraordinary maritime relic.
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Source: Archaeology News Online Magazine
