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Found: Medieval Cargo Ship – Largest Vessel of Its Kind Ever (https://www.smithsonianmag.com)

159 points by bookofjoe 3 days ago | 52 comments | View on ycombinator

asymmetric 2 days ago |

> On its stern, researchers were shocked to find extensive remains of a castle, a kind of covered deck where the crew would have sought shelter. Records show that castles were distinctive features of medieval cogs, but no physical evidence of them had previously been identified.

I suppose this explains why the thing that exists on more modern ships is called a “forecastle”.

PS go check the pronunciation for that word as it’s quite surprising.

mikkupikku 3 days ago |

> Its planks are made of Pomeranian oak from modern-day Poland, and the wood of its frame came from the Netherlands.

I'm surprised the raw materials came together over such a distance. That transporting lumber was economical back then is remarkable.

einpoklum 3 days ago |

This is the kind of ship they found:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cog_(ship)

larger ships in the later middle ages were the Caravel and the Carrack, which typically had more than a single mast.

mmooss 3 days ago |

Is there a paper somewhere?

Statement from the Viking Museum:

https://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/en/about-us/news-and-press...

Documentary referenced in the statement (I think):

https://www.dr.dk/drtv/episode/gaaden-i-dybet_-fra-ukendt-ha...

lisper 2 days ago |

Apparently no one has mentioned the Vasa here yet, so I'll do it:

https://www.vasamuseet.se/en

Not quite as old but preserved almost intact and now restored on dry land. Well worth a visit.

alberth 3 days ago |

Who would have guessed the Smithsonian of all organizations would have so many video popup ads.

Isn’t the greatest experience on mobile when so little of the content can be seen due to popups.

paulnpace 3 days ago |

Amazingly under only 40' of water.

dgan 3 days ago |

Patrician II/III anyone? One of the best games of my childhood, sweet memories