Unearthed Weapons Chest Sheds Light on the Fateful Sinking of the Gribshunden: A Window into Early Maritime Warfare

In Sweden, archaeologists have unearthed a century-old weapons chest on the wreck of a 15th-century warship that could shed light on the fire and explosion that led to the sinking of the Danish king’s flagship. The chest, known as a “zeuglade,” was likely used by German-speaking mercenaries on board the ship and contained molds for making lead bullets, lead plates for melting the molds, and a cylindrical box thought to be for shot.

The discovery of the weapons chest is significant in understanding the fate of the ship, according to maritime archaeologist Rolf Warming and professor Johan Rönnby. It highlights the shift from ancient maritime combat techniques to using gunpowder to attack enemies from a distance. Warming notes that it took over a century for tactics and technology to fully develop in maritime warfare.

The Gribshunden served as the flagship of King Hans of Denmark, who was not on board when the ship sank. It was returning from the Swedish town of Kalmar, where discussions on unifying Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under the Kalmar Union took place. The discovery on the ship could help explain whether the sinking was the result of sabotage or an accidental explosion caused by gunpowder.

Overall, the weapons chest discovery on the Gribshunden provides a window into early stages of maritime military technology and tactics during this era.