In 1495, the Danish king’s flagship, the Gribshunden, sank after a fire caused by gunpowder to explode. Recently, archaeologists in Sweden have uncovered a hundred-year-old weapons chest on the wreck of the ship that could provide insight into the events leading up to its sinking.
The chest, known as a “zeuglade,” was likely used by German-speaking mercenaries on board the ship. It contained molds for making lead bullets, lead plates for melting the molds, and a cylindrical box thought to be for shot. The discovery of this weapons chest is significant because it highlights key changes in naval warfare during that era.
According to maritime archaeologist Rolf Warming and professor Johan Rönnby, the finding shows how tactics and technology developed over time in maritime warfare. The shift from ancient maritime combat techniques to using gunpowder to attack enemies from a distance was a major turning point in naval history. The Gribshunden served as an important vessel during this time of transition.
The discovery on the ship could also help explain whether the sinking was the result of sabotage. Although King Hans of Denmark was not on board when the ship sank, he was returning from discussions on unifying Denmark with Norway and Sweden under the Kalmar Union. This information could shed light on whether external forces were involved in causing the sinking of his flagship.
Overall, the discovery of this weapons chest provides valuable insights into early stages of naval warfare evolution and showcases how tactics and technology transformed from direct combat to using gunpowder weapons in warfare.