The Zeuglade Discovery: Unearthing Insights into 15th-century Naval Warfare from the Sunken Gribshunden Flagship”.

In 1495, the Danish king’s flagship, Gribshunden, sank due to a fire that resulted in an explosive discharge of gunpowder. Recently, archaeologists in Sweden uncovered a hundred-year-old weapons chest found on the wreck site of this warship. The discovery provides valuable insights into naval warfare at that time and sheds light on changes that occurred during this period.

The chest contained various items used for making ammunition for early handguns, including molds of different sizes, lead plates, and a cylindrical box believed to be a canister shot. The chest was identified as a “zeuglade,” which was used to create ammunition. It is believed that the group of German-speaking mercenaries onboard the ship created this weapons chest.

The discovery of the chest has shed light on how maritime warfare evolved during this time. Researchers hope to recover it soon so they can learn more about its contents and how it fits into the history of naval warfare. The Gribshunden wreck was once the flagship of King Hans of Denmark, who was not on board at the time of the sinking. However, it is thought that his political events may have contributed to its sinking.

Studying artifacts like this weapons chest can provide valuable insights into maritime military evolution and tactics that emerged during this period. By piecing together these artifacts with other historical records, archaeologists can better understand what happened during this important era in maritime history.