King’s 15th-Century ‘Floating Castle’ Shipwreck Reveals New ‘Thrilling Haul’

The discovery of a 15th-century shipwreck in the 1970s continues our search for clues about King John’s journey. Denmark How the ruling class lived. A well-preserved Danish warship that was beloved by the king contained exotic spices and many plant foods, according a new study published in the peer reviewed journal PLOS One Publiziert In late January

The Gribshunden, also known as the Griffon, was known as King John’s “floating castle” Since its discovery in the Baltic Sea off the southern coast Swedens, it has yielded many new discoveries. It is one the most iconic of all the best-preserved Shipwrecks dating back to the Age of Exploration. It lasted from approximately the 1400s up to the 1600s. This study sheds light upon the luxuries. “limited to the elites.”

“This is perhaps the most thrilling haul of spices from a shipwreck because of its age, quality of the plant remains—exotic, expensive spices—and the remarkable state of preservation,” Brendan Foley, a Researcher at the Lund University’s Department of Archaeology and Ancient History and co-author of the study, told Newsweek. “Beyond shipwrecks, this is certainly among the most fabulous discoveries of spices in any archaeological context, on land or sea.”

The 2021 excavation campaign was used to divide the finds from the wreck into five different categories: fruits, vegetables, oilseeds (citrus), nuts and spices. Researchers discovered henbane as well as other food items. It was also used in medicinal purposes. Archeologists discovered all of the botanical remains in the sediment within a square meter unit near the ship’s stern, according to the study.

There are many spices, including ginger, cloves, black pepper, black mustard and dill. According to the study, other finds could be eaten in snacks, baked, or as main meals. The seeds were used to preserve the fruits and vegetables. Berries, which are extremely perishable, were dried, so that they could be identified.

This new discovery shows that luxury foods for kings, queens, and other royals weren’t confined to land only. “The consumption of luxurious foods was a crucial aspect of King Hans’ and other monarchs’ presentation of themselves to their subjects,” According to the study. It states that many of these food and spice, such as ginger, saffron, and grapes were difficult to find in the period.

King John, King Hans DanishHe ruled Denmark and Norway, and was on his way from Denmark to Sweden to convince them to join the Scandinavian Union, and thus became king of Sweden. In the meantime, he was on his way to Kalmar, Sweden’s summit. Sommer The Gribshunden was set ablaze by an explosion on 1495. It sank with all its luxury goods and caught fire. The ship was docked on Great Oak Island. King John wasn’t there, but many crew members were. Perished.

One possible explanation for the large number of items found on board the ship was to “demonstrate to the Swedish delegation the authority and wealth of his crown,” By displaying artillery, warships and soldiers, as well as other weapons “soft power signifiers: coinage, artwork, splendid livery, and delicacies for feasting,” According to the study.

Foley Says The ship is “a well-preserved example of the enabling technologies that led to European domination of the planet after 1492.”