Viking Ship MuseumMaritime archaeologists excavating the wreckage of the Svaelget 2.Maritime archaeologists in Copenhagen have discovered the worlds largest cog, a type of medieval cargo ship that was once the backbone of Northern European trade. This particular vessel had been hidden just under the seabed for 600 years in the waters between Denmark and Sweden.The vessel, named Svaelget 2, measures about 92 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet high, with an estimated cargo capacity of 300 tons. Built around 1410, it represents the largest example of its type ever found.The find is a milestone for maritime archaeology. It is the largest cog we know of, and it gives us a unique opportunity to understand both the construction and life on board the biggest trading ships of the Middle Ages, said excavation leader Otto Uldum in a statement from the Viking Ship Museum.The Discovery Of The Svaelget 2, The Largest Medieval Cog Ever FoundViking Ship MuseumA 3D model illustrating the elevation of the wreck.The wreck was excavated at a depth of 43 feet, where it was protected from keel to gunwale by sand. This shielded Svaelget 2 from many of the forces that would typically destroy a ship so near to the coast and, more remarkably, this is the first time that this level of natural protection has been seen in a cog before. As such, the ship was incredibly well preserved.It is extraordinary to have so many parts of the rigging, Uldum said. We have never seen this before, and it gives us a real opportunity to say something entirely new about how cogs were equipped for sailing.Dendrochronological analysis shows the ship was built using timber from both Pomerania, in modern-day Poland, and the Netherlands. The planks were made of Pomeranian oak, while the ships ribs came from the Netherlands.Viking Ship MuseumThe ribs of the Svaelget 2.It tells us that timber exports went from Pomerania to the Netherlands, and that the ship was built in the Netherlands where the expertise to construct these very large cogs was found, Uldum said.The cog was an efficient type of ship that could be sailed by a small crew, even when heavily loaded. Large cogs were built to make the hazardous voyage around Skagen from the Netherlands through the Sound to reach Baltic trading towns.A ship with such a large cargo capacity is part of a structured system where merchants knew there was a market for the goods they carried, Uldum added. Svaelget 2 is a tangible example of how trade developed during the Middle Ages.How Medieval Cogs Transformed Trade In Northern EuropeViking Ship MuseumVarious pieces of salvage from the shipwreck.Experts have referred to the cog as a super ship of the Middle Ages, allowing sailors to transport massive quantities of goods at substantially lower costs.During the 14th and 15th centuries, this revolutionized the exchange of goods, transforming trade patterns and allowing everyday commodities to be sent across great distances. Such long-distance trade had previously been limited to luxury goods.Medieval cogs were distinctly characterized by the presence of high castles at the bow and stern, but these have only ever been observed in illustrations of the vessels.That is, until now.We have plenty of drawings of castles, but they have never been found because usually only the bottom of the ship survives, Uldum said. This time we have the archaeological proof.Viking Ship MuseumA painted wooden dish found in the galley of the Svaelget 2.Not only were researchers greeted by the remains of a real timber-built castle among the wreckage, but they were also surprised to discover the ships brick-built galley, the earliest example of its kind from Danish waters. Around 200 bricks and 15 tiles were used to make the galley, among which archaeologists found bronze cooking pots, ceramic bowls, and the remains of fish and meat.Other objects found among the wreckage provided unique insight into everyday life. These included painted wooden dishes, shoes, combs, and rosary beads.Viking Ship MuseumA sailors wooden comb.These personal objects show us that the crew brought everyday items with them. They transferred their life on land to life at sea, Uldum said.As for the ships cargo, however, no traces have been found. Uldum suggested that since the ships hold was not covered, any barrels containing goods like salt or bundles of cloth would likely have drifted away during the ships sinking. That said, the absence of ballast suggests the ship had been loaded with heavy trade goods, leaving no doubt that this was indeed a merchant ship.There is no evidence pointing to war or conflict in this ship, Uldum noted. None at all.The find was made during seabed investigations in preparation for construction of Copenhagens new manmade harbor district, Lynetteholm.The ships components are now undergoing conservation at the National Museum in Brede.Perhaps the find does not change the story we already know about medieval trade. But it does allow us to say that it was in ships like Svaelget 2 that this trade was created, Uldum concluded.Svaelget 2 gives us a tangible piece of the puzzle and makes it possible to understand how technology and society evolved side by side in an era when shipping was the driving force behind international trade.After reading about the discovery of this medieval super ship, read the astonishing stories of 10 famous shipwrecks from around the world. Then, read the shocking story of the Wager mutiny and the grisly events that followed.The post This Medieval Super Ship, The Largest Of Its Kind Ever Found, Was Just Discovered Off The Coast Of Denmark appeared first on All That's Interesting.

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A cat tried to come into an office at a workplace. Within 48 hours, she had three tiny kittens by her side. Muffin and her kittensHomeward Bound Cat AdoptionsAbout two and a half months ago, two community members noticed a pregnant, hungry cat lingering outside their office, trying to slip into the workplace.Friendly and clearly searching for safety, the cat did her best to charm everyone she met. One of the finders contacted her local rescue group, Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions, for help. While the rescue looked for a foster carer, she offered the cat, named Muffin, a soft landing."Muffin delivered her babies within 48 hours, as if she knew she needed to find a quiet home," Kimberly Wade of Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions told Love Meow. MuffinHomeward Bound Cat AdoptionsMuffin gave birth to three healthy kittens in a cozy space, safe from the dangers of life outdoors. She immediately dove into motherhood, devoting herself entirely to her tiny trio: Sugar, Biscuit, and Toffee."We were able to find a foster home and get them into our care just a few days after she delivered." Sugar, Biscuit, and ToffeeHomeward Bound Cat AdoptionsThe finder's daughter fell in love with two of the kittens and thought about them every day. When the rescue gave her access to a nursery camera, she was overjoyed to be able to watch the kittens grow.For the first time in a long while, Muffin no longer had to worry about where her next meal would come from. With boundless food, she could finally rest with a full belly. SugarHomeward Bound Cat AdoptionsMuffin poured her heart into raising her three kittens. During the first few weeks, she attended to their every need, feeding them, grooming them, and showering them with affection. All she asked for was a soft blanket to rest on and a food bowl nearby.Even while caring for her babies, Muffin sought out human companionship, eager to be pampered and adored. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsAt around three years old, this was likely not Muffin's first litter, but thankfully, it would be her last. With her attentive care and unwavering love, the kittens grew strong and healthy, reaching milestone after milestone and filling their mom with pride."Her kittens are now thriving, and Muffin is ready for her turn to shine." Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsWhen the kittens were old enough to explore and play on their own, Muffin began focusing on her own needs. She happily spent her days offering head bumps, asking for cheek scratches, and surprising her people with lap visits.She hoped for a home where she could be the one receiving all the lovewarm laps, cheek rubs, sun-soaked naps, and the cozy life she truly deserved. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsWith her charming personality, Muffin quickly won over the hearts of a loving family. One of her kittens, Sugar, also found her forever home. Meanwhile, the rescue heard back from the finder's family.The daughter had been following their foster journey. "She asked if we could contact her when the kittens were ready for adoption, so we did." Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsWithout hesitation, she opened her heart and home to Biscuit and Toffee, officially making them beloved members of her family.Thanks to the kindness of those who helped Muffin and her kittens, they have all found their happily-ever-after. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions on Instagram @homewardboundcats and Facebook.Related story: They Help Cat and Her Kittens Found in an Alley, Then One Day She Enters a Store, Claiming It As Her Own

They went to help a stray kitten in the bitter cold but found two cats instead. They never gave up on the little one. BennyWhiskers-a-GoGoAs freezing temperatures set in, rescuers at Whiskers-a-GoGo heard from a concerned couple who had spotted a kitten living on the streets.Rather than turning away, the couple stepped in and reached out to the rescue community. With the support of Whiskers-a-GoGo and Bushwick Street Cats, they pooled resources, set humane traps, and did everything they could to bring the kitten to safety."Night after night in freezing temperatures, they put out food and traps, watching and figuring things out as they went," Whiskers-a-GoGo shared. They managed to trap two adult tabby catsWhiskers-a-GoGoDuring that time, they managed to trap two adult tabby cats, ensuring both were spayed and vetted. But the kitten remained elusive. Then a snowstorm swept through the area, and the little one disappeared entirely. Days passed with no sightings.Still, they refused to give up. A week before Christmas, they returned for another attempt to find him. After many days, they finally brought the kitten to safetyWhiskers-a-GoGo"Finally, late at night, they tried again. A trap was set. Popeye's chicken was placed inside as irresistible bait. Kitten meows were played from a phone, and then, finally, a tiny meowing sound answered back."The little tabby stepped into the trap. After days of tireless effort, the kitten was rescued. Whiskers-a-GoGo"Once indoors, he was a hissy, spicy kitten, but it didn't take long to see he wasn't built for life outside."At first, he hid behind a toilet, unsure of his new surroundings. Slowly, he began inching closer to his new mom, Rachel, realizing she meant no harm. With patience, reassurance, and plenty of treats, he began to relax, and the fear in his eyes melted away. Whiskers-a-GoGoCovered in grime, Rachel gently wiped the dirt from his face and wrapped him in a soft towel, letting him know he was safe and loved.When the kitten tried to explore, he moved with a noticeable limp. "A vet visit revealed a dislocated hip from before rescue. Even through the exam, he purred, and they named him Benny." Whiskers-a-GoGoBenny will need surgery, but he's now in good hands, surrounded by loving humans committed to giving him the best care possible. "His new people adore him, and he reminds one of them of her childhood cat. They're nearly identical."Food-motivated and eager to please, Benny has already learned to offer nose boops in exchange for treats. Whiskers-a-GoGoBenny celebrated his first Christmas and New Year's Day with his people, far from the streets and the winter cold. His belly was full, and he looked completely at peace, as if life outdoors were a distant memory."He's safe indoors, getting the care he needs and exactly where he belongs, while two former street cats will no longer contribute to the cycle of unwanted kittens." Whiskers-a-GoGoNo longer scavenging for food or searching for shelter, Benny now spends his days stretched out on his favorite couch or curled up on his humans. Once his hip is repaired, he'll be learning even more tricks, eager to show off how clever he is.He has fully embraced indoor life, often face-planting into the couch cushions during naps. Whiskers-a-GoGoIt truly takes a village to save a cat. Benny's future has been forever changed thanks to the many people who refused to give up on him."Rescue is never just one person. It's the neighbors, the feeders, the trappers, and donors, the fosters, and the people who are willing to show up and try." Whiskers-a-GoGoShare this story with your friends. More on Benny and Whiskers-a-GoGo on Instagram @whiskers_agogo and @bennygettingpets. Thanks to Bushwick Street Cats @bushwickcats.Related story: On Her Way Home Woman Finds Chocolate Brown Kitten All Alone, the Young Cat is Tiny But Mighty at Heart