Antiquities dating back centuries, including a weapons container and armor fragments, were discovered by archaeologists investigating an ancient shipwreck off the coast of Sweden..
According to a news release from Stockholm University, the Griffin, which was sunk in 1495 following a fire aboard, was the subject of a study by maritime archaeologists from Södertörn University and Stockholm University. The Danish-Norwegian monarch John, also known as Hans, employed the vessel as his flagship from 1481 to 1513. They released a report this month that provided a comprehensive account of their research.
The wreck is “partially disintegrated,” according to the news release. However, specific fragments that remain on the ocean floor are “extremely well preserved.” Archaeologists discovered floor timbers that provided valuable insights into the ship’s military prowess and architecture, as well as components of elevated combat platforms that were constructed aft aboard. The news release indicated that the discovery “provided supplementary data for the ongoing study and reconstruction of the ship’s superstructure,” thereby enabling researchers to reconstruct the vessel.
A “unique” ammunition-making tool container was discovered by the researchers amidst the detritus. This container contained lead plates and potentially powder-filled cans. Scholars had been aware of the sarcophagus since 2019, but they were unable to conduct a comprehensive examination of its contents until the previous year, when they applied three-dimensional imaging technique.
Rolf Warming, one of the principal maritime archaeologists, stated in the news release, “The contents of the armament container are unquestionably among the most significant discoveries.” “It contains a variety of molds and lead plates that were used to manufacture lead projectiles for early handguns.”
According to Warming, the container was likely the property of German mercenaries who were on board the ship at the time of its shipwreck. Additionally, scientists identified two cannon carriages in the detritus.
According to the news release, archaeologists may have discovered armor fragments from a mail bodice that contained as many as 150,000 rings.
According to the news release, the armaments and armor that were discovered have offered scientists a new perspective on maritime warfare during this period.
The ship is a critical component of the “military revolution at sea” in the Early Modern Period, during which the primary tactics transitioned from hand-to-hand combat to heavy naval artillery fire. Warming compared the ship to other preserved wrecks, such as the Mars and the Vasa, which have been on display in Stockholm, Sweden, since the 1960s, after being salvaged from the ocean floor.
