Floating Back in Time: Medieval Barge from the Depths of Lake Arendsee
Unearthing the Past and Rediscovering a piece of Medieval History
Ancient Barge Resurfaced in Arendsee After 8 Centuries Underwater - Ancient Barge Lifted in Arend After 8 Centuries
In the heart of picturesque Altmark, Germany, history has taken a deep dive. A 600-year-old medieval barge has been marvelously reclaimed from the murky depths of Lake Arendsee, after an extended slumber of around eight centuries. The vehicle of transport has risen to the surface, providing modern-day curious minds with a breathtaking journey back into the medieval era.
Barge Revival 101
- Project Leader Sven Thomas led a team of 50 volunteers to retrieved the barge from a depth of 35 meters, taking nearly 8 hours.
- The boat has been placed on a platform in the lake, undergoing further inspection.
- The early findings are proving thrilling - unearthing bones, building materials, fishing tools, ropes, pots, and even an old awl.
Voyaging Through the Ages
Barges, although an ancient mode of transportation, have played an essential role in numerous civilizations. This vessel, made from oak, spans 12.5 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and about a meter high, relied on oars and sails for propulsion. Preliminary dating estimates place this remarkable artifact around 1265.
The Split-Trunk Canoe, Iron-Strong
What makes this find even more astonishing is the usage of iron nails in its construction. The nails, though aged, glimmer and appear new, hinting that the ship was kept in a sediment-rich, anaerobic environment for centuries—just the perfect conditions to preserve the vessel.
Future Plans
Working diligently, the team aims to complete their investigation in few hours to prevent the delicate timber from deteriorating in the fresh air. This documentation will not only aid in further research but will also serve as a basis for a museum exhibit. "With the detailed data collected, we can construct an authentic model of the boat itself," assures Sven Thomas.
A Richly Decorated Marvel
What sets this inland ship apart is its decoration—with animal heads, such as a bear and a bird adorning the bow and stern. This exquisite ornamentation suggests its prestigious origins and possible connection to the local monastery, built in the 13th century.
The Barge's Swan Song
After completion of the research documentation, the barge will be re-submerged into the lake, about 20 meters deep. Fun fact? This will make it easier for future exploration and retrieval when funds are available for permanent preservation and land storage.
In this quest of unearthing the past, the team takes pride in having yielded one of the few remaining examples of this ancient craft. Whether you're a history buff or just a curious soul, take a walk down memory lane with this timber-built relic from the past, navigating the labyrinth of forgotten tales and intriguing legends!
- The community policy has the potential to supplement the employment policy on the conservation and exhibition of the medieval barge from Lake Arendsee.
- The financial resources allocated through the industry's employment policy will significantly aid the transportation of the rediscovered barge to a secure location for preservation.
- In the documentation process of the medieval barge, the employment policy at the local monastery during the 13th century may provide valuable insights into the construction techniques and historical context.
- As the project leader, Sven Thomas has made key decisions regarding the employment policy of the volunteers working on the barge, ensuring its safe removal from the lake and conservation for future generations.
