Arkeonews notes that this discovery is of great importance to the study of maritime trade in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
The ship, named "Sfalgate 2 ," lay at the bottom of the Øresund Strait at a depth of 13 meters for six centuries before being discovered and studied by maritime archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde. The discovery is remarkable for its large size and exceptional condition; the ship was almost completely preserved from keel to deck, a rare level of preservation for medieval sailing vessels, most of which are usually found in scattered pieces near the coast.
The excavation work lasted for more than two and a half years and included 289 dives. Scientists also discovered, in addition to the ship, parts of the upper structure of the bow and stern, which were used as shelter for the crew, as well as everyday items including shoes, a comb, kitchen utensils and a wooden tray, providing a detailed glimpse into the lives of sailors in the fifteenth century.
The Svalgate II is officially the largest known sailing ship, measuring approximately 28 meters long, 9 meters wide, and 6 meters high, with a tonnage of up to 300 tons. The discovery of a stone hearth on board has intrigued scientists, as it suggests the possibility of preparing hot meals during sea voyages, shedding light on the evolution of daily life for sailors during that era.
