Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Archaeologists Reconstruct Gribshunden’s Guns, Detailing a 15th-Century Floating Arsenal

3D models from preserved gun beds reveal dozens of small-caliber weapons, with damaged shot pointing to an onboard explosion.

Overview

  • A Lund University team led by Professor Nicolo Dell’Unto analyzed 11 weapons and concluded the flagship carried at least 50 small-caliber guns.
  • Recovered lead shot with iron cores indicates anti-personnel use at close range to disable crews before boarding.
  • Exceptionally preserved oak gun beds captured the original cannon forms, enabling precise digital reconstructions despite corroded metal.
  • Flattened lead projectiles and site context support historical accounts that a fire and explosion sank the ship off Ronneby in 1495.
  • Built in 1483–1484 near Rotterdam, the costly carvel-built vessel served King Hans as a mobile seat of power rather than as an exploration platform.