Archaeologists from the University of Southampton have discovered a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Sweden that is almost entirely intact despite being around 500 years old. The ship, which is estimated to have been built between 1490 and 1540, is believed to have been a Danish or Swedish trading vessel that was possibly involved in warfare. The vessel is 16 meters long and is similar in design to the ships La Nina and Pinta, which were used by Christopher Columbus during his voyage to America. The ship was found in 120 meters of water, and despite some damage to the stern, it is in remarkably good condition.
The shipwreck was discovered by the team from the University of Southampton, who were working with the Swedish Maritime Administration and marine survey company MMT. The cold and brackish waters of the Baltic Sea are believed to have helped preserve the ship, which is one of the best-preserved wrecks of its age. The ship’s name and origin are still unknown, but the researchers hope to uncover more information about the vessel’s history through further investigation.
The shipwreck is believed to have sunk during the Swedish War of Independence between 1521 and 1523 or the Russo-Swedish War between 1554 and 1557. The ship’s weaponry and the damage to the stern suggest that it was involved in warfare, but the exact circumstances of its sinking remain a mystery. The discovery of the shipwreck is a significant find for archaeologists, who hope to learn more about the history of the Baltic Sea region through further exploration of the site.
