In November 2021, archaeologists began examining the remains of a shipwreck off the north coast of Germany. On Monday (03.07.) the team revealed to the public their findings on a 17th century merchant ship that belonged to the Hanseatic League.
Following a fullscale rescue mission the first successful commercial vehicle of that era in the region the underwater treasure is being cleaned and documented and includes porcelain items and pieces of nautical equipment, including 180 pieces of wood. The rear is particularly well preserved.
Coordinator Felix Rösch presents the results to the pressPhoto: Jonas Walzberg/picture Alliance/dpa
“We found more than we expected and can deduce a lot about the condition and equipment of the ship,” said project manager Felix Rösch at a press conference.
The find is particularly important for illustrating everyday life at the time. While several warships have already been rescued in the Baltic Sea, this merchant ship offers an insight into civilian life. Among the objects is a drinking bottle with the inscription “Londn” engraved on it. Animal bones and residues on the pieces of china indicate what was eaten on board.
Remains of the merchant ship must be kept under water to prevent decompositionPhoto: Jonas Walzberg/picture Alliance/dpa
Back on the water for future generations
The wreck was found 11 meters deep in the Trave near the port city of Lübeck on the Baltic Sea in northeastern Germany. A routine measurement revealed a ship about 25 meters long and 6 meters wide.
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Experts assume that he was on his way to Scandinavia. Black stains on much of the wood suggest a fire on board as a possible cause of the sinking. The cargo may also have contributed to the disaster: 150 barrels of quicklime (calcium oxide), a highly flammable substance that was used as a building material in the 17th century.
Parts of the ship from the 17th century are exceptionally well preserved. Photo: Jonas Walzberg/picture alliance/dpa
The finds are now being subjected to 3D tracking in a warehouse in Lübeck and stored in tanks filled with water, “otherwise they dry out and rot quickly,” explained Rosch.
According to the city’s culture commissioner, Monika Frank, it’s possible that the 400yearold items will be reburied after the investigations to preserve them for future generations.
Barrels with quicklime could have contributed to the fire and sinkingPhoto: Jonas Walzberg/picture Alliance/dpa
Founded in the late 12th century, the Hanseatic League was a trading and defense association of towns and merchant guilds in the North and Baltic Seas, stretching from Holland to Poland and north along the Scandinavian coast.