Archäologie

Archaeology

Today, only the scattered wreck parts of the once proud frigate Mynden remain on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, and bear witness to the dramatic events in the autumn of the year 1718.
Only by means of archaeological surveys and excavations these "silent witnesses" can be made to speak.
Numerous well preserved finds help to imagine life aboard a Danish 18th century sailing warship. The recovered artefacts include guns and other naval armament, cooking- and household utensils and personal belongings of officers and crew.
Remaining wooden ship parts can be analysed to reconstruct the hull of the ship.
The whole wreck can be compared to a time capsule, allowing a glance back into the 18th century.

The preserved part of the ship is 15m long and 5m wide. The hull is carvel built and made from oak. It is situated on the seabed close to the main chalk reef of Arkona in 12m deep water. The whole wreck is slightly angled towards the port side. The bow of the ship is missing, but was situated in the Southwest, as the partly excavated galley and a large anchor in this area show.
On the starboard side, 22 frames and 21 inner planks are visible, while 11 planks are visible on the port side. Treenails were used to fasten the planks to the frames.
The whole wreck is covered by a concreted layer of stones and iron ballast. Noteworthy among the ballast are seven iron finbanker guns cut in halves and numerous iron round shots and mortar shots with diameters up to 50 cm.
It was common practice in the 18th century to use old guns and ammunition as ballast.

Artefacts and ship parts are scattered all around the wreck.

Close to the preserved part of the hull we discovered an anchor, a dead-eye and a large wooden element, which might have been part of the knee of the head.
A trail of wreck parts consisting of guns and two anchors leads from the hull in north-westerly direction.
A detailed plan of the whole wrecksite will be published during the next campaign.

Today, only the scattered wreck parts of the once proud frigate Mynden remain on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, and bear witness to the dramatic events in the autumn of the year 1718. Only by means of archaeological surveys and excavations these "silent witnesses" can be made to speak. Numerous well preserved finds help to imagine life aboard a Danish 18th century sailing warship. The recovered artefacts include guns and other naval armament, cooking- and household utensils and personal belongings of officers and crew. Remaining wooden ship parts can be analysed to reconstruct the hull of the ship. The whole wreck can be compared to a time capsule, allowing a glance back into the 18th century.
The preserved part of the ship is 15m long and 5m wide. The hull is carvel built and made from oak. It is situated on the seabed close to the main chalk reef of Arkona in 12m deep water. The whole wreck is slightly angled towards the port side. The bow of the ship is missing, but was situated in the Southwest, as the partly excavated galley and a large anchor in this area show. On the starboard side, 22 frames and 21 inner planks are visible, while 11 planks are visible on the port side. Treenails were used to fasten the planks to the frames. The whole wreck is covered by a concreted layer of stones and iron ballast. Noteworthy among the ballast are seven iron finbanker guns cut in halves and numerous iron round shots and mortar shots with diameters up to 50 cm. It was common practice in the 18th century to use old guns and ammunition as ballast.
Artefacts and ship parts are scattered all around the wreck. Close to the preserved part of the hull we discovered an anchor, a dead-eye and a large wooden element, which might have been part of the knee of the head. A trail of wreck parts consisting of guns and two anchors leads from the hull in north-westerly direction. A detailed plan of the whole wrecksite will be published during the next campaign.