- Archaeologists find a 15th-century merchant ship.
- The study provided insights into the main dimensions and proportions of the medieval merchant ship.
- The Maderö ship was likely armed when it sank.
In the 1960s, divers discovered the Maderö wreck in the Stockholm Archipelago, revealing a large, partly disintegrated wooden hull laden with bricks from a medieval vessel, reports News Week.
Limited Documentation and Unanswered Questions
Although initially dated in the 2000s, the archaeological documentation was incomplete and unpublished, leaving many questions about the wreck unanswered.
Recent Investigation Led by Niklas Eriksson
In 2022, a team led by Niklas Eriksson from Stockholm University conducted a comprehensive investigation of the Maderö wreck, documenting visible ship parts and collecting numerous samples.
New Insights into the Medieval Merchant Ship
The study provided insights into the main dimensions and proportions of the medieval merchant ship. The original length was over 65 feet, and the hull’s breadth was approximately 26 feet, making it relatively large for the late medieval period.
Wood Origin and Ship Construction
Analysis revealed that the ship’s wood was felled after 1467, indicating a sinking closer to the turn of the 16th century.
Importantly, the provenance of the wood from different areas suggests the ship was built, at least partially, from imported wood, showcasing the trade in wood and shipbuilding materials in the Baltic Sea area during the 15th century.
Surprising Origins of Bricks and Tiles
The study uncovered that the bricks on the Maderö wreck originated from Lübeck, Germany, challenging the assumption that medieval bricks in Stockholm were locally made. This sheds light on the trade routes and materials involved in ship construction during that era.
Armed Merchant Ship Clues
Stone shots found at the wreck site suggest that the Maderö ship was likely armed when it sank. This discovery provides valuable insights into the extent to which merchant ships were armed during the 15th century, contributing to a broader understanding of late medieval maritime practices.
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Source: News Week
