Archaeologists from Lund University in Sweden have conducted a new study of the wreck of the Gribshunden ship.
Among the finds, researchers note such spices as nutmeg, cloves, mustard and dill. They also found samples of other plants, including saffron and ginger, peppercorns and almonds.
Spices found on the ship. From left to right: saffron, black pepper, cloves. Image: Mikael Larsson, Brendan Foley, PLOS One
"Gribshunden" - the ship of the Danish king Johannor Hansa. In 1495, he approached the Swedish coast, richly loaded with goods and people. Historians believe that Hans wanted to make a trade deal with the Swedish regent Sten Sutre the Elder. This would allow him to gain control over Sweden and create a unified Scandinavian state. By then, in a similar trade deal, Hans had peacefully "annexed" Norway.
But not far from the Swedish coast on a shipa fire broke out, as a result of which the Gribsunden sank, and all goods were lost. After the loss of goods and the ship, Hans changed plans, refused to negotiate, attacked Sweden and subjugated the country by force.
Plant seeds found on the ship: a) cucumber, b) grapes, c) black mustard, d) raspberries, e) hops, f) henbane. Image: Mikael Larsson, Brendan Foley, PLOS One
The researchers note that the variety of spiceson the ship testifies to the powerful trading network that King Hans built. Some of the spices, for example, come from Indonesia. Among other goods on board, we also managed to find a variety of snacks and products of plant origin: dried blackberries, raspberries, grapes and flax. Their diversity testifies to the degree of development of the Danish kingdom at that time.
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