In a surprising turn of events, archaeologists exploring the depths near Stora Ekön island made an unexpected discovery inside the 500-year-old shipwreck Gribshunden. What initially seemed like the growls of a mysterious sea monster turned out to be an extraordinary artifact, shedding light on a royal vessel’s untold history. The Gribshunden, belonging to King John of Denmark, sank in 1495, providing a unique glimpse into the medieval world and the challenges faced during ocean exploration in the era of Columbus and Vasco da Gama.
The Encounter with the “Sea Monster”
While diving to search for samples on the Gribshunden ship, archaeologists heard a sound like a dog growling coming from inside. (Photo: Live Science)
Diving with the aim of collecting specimens from the Gribshunden, Professor Johan Ronnby and his colleagues from the Blekinge Museum stumbled upon an unusual sound emanating from within the ship. Upon investigation, they were astonished to find a wooden “sea monster” resembling a dog with human-like teeth. Intrigued by this unexpected creature, they decided to salvage the ship for a closer examination.
The Gribshunden – Griffin-Hound
Image of the “sea monster” after being salvaged. (Photo: Live Science)
Named Gribshunden, meaning “Griffin-Hound,” or possibly referring to a specific breed of dog, this wooden creation served as a scarecrow, warding off evil spirits with its growling sound. King John mentioned Gribshunden in a letter from 1486, using the term “Griffone,” possibly an alternative form of “gryps” or “gryphus” (griffin). This discovery adds a unique dimension to the medieval culture of the time, as the creature’s design appears more akin to artifacts from a thousand-year-old temple in the Amazon jungle rather than medieval Europe.
Archaeological Riches of the Gribshunden
The image of the ship is redrawn in history books. (Photo: Live Science)
The Gribshunden wreck, rediscovered in the 1960s and 1970s, has become a treasure trove for marine archaeologists. In recent expeditions from 2019 to 2021, researchers uncovered over 3,000 new specimens, including medieval armor, weapons, utensils, and the intriguing sea monster. This wealth of artifacts provides valuable insights into the material culture of the time.
Spices, Fruits, and Micro-Environments
Spices and fruits were found on the ship. (Photo: Live Science)
Among the Gribshunden’s remarkable finds are well-preserved spices and fruits, including ginger, saffron, pepper, mustard, cloves, cumin, black raspberries, red raspberries, grapes, and dried flaxseeds. The ship’s micro-environment, created by dragging seaweed with it upon sinking, led to seasonal deposits of algae. As algae decomposed, it formed hypoxic zones, contributing to the exceptional preservation of plant materials.
Significance of the Discovery
The ship after being salvaged was still quite intact. (Photo: Live Science)
Archaeologists consider the Gribshunden an invaluable discovery, unparalleled in its historical significance. The ship provides a unique window into the golden age, offering insights into navigation mysteries during the era of iconic explorers like Columbus and Vasco da Gama. The artifacts, combined with the well-preserved cargo, present an opportunity to deepen our understanding of medieval seafaring, trade routes, and cultural exchange.
The Gribshunden shipwreck stands as a testament to the surprises the ocean floor can unveil. From the unexpected encounter with a wooden sea monster to the rich array of medieval artifacts and well-preserved cargo, this discovery opens doors to a fascinating chapter in history. As archaeologists continue to explore and analyze the Gribshunden’s secrets, it promises to enrich our understanding of the past and the complexities of maritime exploration during a bygone era.