The ships from Nydam Mose

Nestled in the serene landscape of Øster Sottrup near Sønderborg, Denmark, the Nydam Mose bog harbors one of the most intriguing archaeological finds of the early Iron Age: the Nydam ship, or Nydam B. This extraordinary vessel, discovered amid a trove of military artifacts and sacrificial deposits, sheds light on Northern Europe's naval prowess and ritualistic customs around 310-320 AD. This article delves into the significance of the Nydam ship and its context in early Germanic maritime history.

Nydam mose in southeast Jutland and the «boat field “. Length of the boat field: 43 metres. Rau, A. 2007. "Remarks on finds of wooden quivers from NY dam Mose, Southern Jutland" Archaeologia BALTICA 8, pp 141-154, Fig.1.

The Discovery of the Nydam Ship

The tale of the Nydam ship begins with the meticulous excavations conducted by Conrad Engelhardt between 1859 and 1863. The Nydam Mose bog, known for its rich sacrificial deposits, revealed a remarkable array of artifacts, including not only the Nydam ship but also weapons, tools, and remnants of clothing. Engelhardt’s team unearthed three significant vessels: the Nydam B, a 23-meter-long clinker-built ship made of oak; a smaller pine boat, also preserved but not as intact; and a third, dismantled boat found beneath the primary deposits.

Iron axes and shield bosses from Nydam Mose, at Museum Schloss Gottorf, Schleswig, Germany. Photo by Erik Christensen.

These discoveries were accompanied by a wealth of iron swords, lances, spears, bows, arrows, and round shields, suggesting the site’s military significance. The presence of such a rich collection of martial artifacts indicates that the Nydam ship was not merely a vessel but a key component of a sacrificial offering, symbolizing the power and prestige of early Germanic warriors.

Specifications and Construction of the Nydam Ship

The Nydam ship stands out as the oldest known Germanic deep-sea rowing vessel, offering a rare glimpse into the shipbuilding techniques and naval capabilities of its time. Its construction details are as impressive as its historical context. Measuring approximately 23 meters in length and around 3.5 meters in width, with a height of about 1 meter at midship, the Nydam ship weighed over 3 tons and was designed to carry a crew of around 45 men, including 14 pairs of oarsmen. The clinker-built design, characterized by overlapping planks fastened to strong ribs with iron nails, provided structural integrity and flexibility in the open sea. The oak planks, originally slightly overlapping, were joined with iron clench nails and tied to the ship’s frames, enhancing the hull’s durability.

The preserved parts of Nydam B. After Åkerlund 1963, 51.

Drawing of Nydam B stem scarf. After Shetelig & Johannessen 1930, 12.

A notable aspect of the Nydam ship’s construction is its flat bottom plank, in contrast to the traditional keel. This design choice resulted in a narrow hull to minimize pressure but posed challenges for stability and sailing efficiency. Nonetheless, it reflects the ingenuity of early Germanic shipbuilders in adapting their designs to available materials and intended uses. Capable of achieving speeds up to 8 knots, the Nydam ship was well-suited for rapid coastal ventures and swift raids along hostile shores. Its design allowed for agile movement in narrow bays, enabling quick turns and efficient navigation in confined waters, essential for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. With space for a large crew, the ship was ideal for transporting warriors, suggesting its primary role as a warship rather than a cargo vessel.

Historical Significance and Maritime Legacy

The steering oar of the Nydam B. Photo by Archaeology in Europe.

The Nydam ship is more than just a well-preserved vessel; it represents a crucial link in the evolution of early Germanic maritime technology and naval warfare. Its discovery, along with the context of the sacrificial deposits, offers valuable insights into the cultural and military practices of the early Iron Age. The extensive collection of weapons and military equipment found alongside the Nydam ship underscores its role in martial activities. The presence of swords, lances, spears, bows, arrows, and shields points to its use by well-organized Scandinavian troops. This assemblage of artifacts reflects a military legacy that extends beyond mere functionality, symbolizing the power and prowess of early Germanic warriors.

The deliberate sinking of the Nydam ship, along with its associated weaponry, suggests a ritualistic practice where valuable objects were offered to the gods or ancestors. Such sacrificial offerings were common in early Germanic societies, serving to mark significant events, victories in battle, or to appease deities. The Nydam ship’s deposition in the bog, surrounded by a wealth of military artifacts, highlights its ceremonial significance and the reverence accorded to naval power in the cultural and spiritual life of the time.

The Nydam oak boat on display at Gottorf Castle, Schleswig, Germany.

The Nydam ship's design and construction reflect several advancements in early Germanic shipbuilding techniques. The use of oars instead of paddles, iron rivets for securing planks, and the integration of a steering oar contributed to enhanced efficiency, robustness, and navigability. These innovations laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in naval architecture, influencing the design of later vessels, including the iconic Viking longships. The high prow and stern of the Nydam ship, along with its clinker-built structure, bear a resemblance to Viking Age longships, highlighting the continuity and evolution of shipbuilding traditions. The Nydam ship’s ability to achieve high speeds and its capacity to maneuver in tight spaces underscore its suitability for raiding and coastal defense, roles that would become central to Viking naval strategy in the centuries to follow.

Today, the Nydam ship resides at the Landesmuseum Schleswig-Holstein, Schloss Gottorf, in Schleswig, Germany. Its journey from discovery to preservation reflects a rich history of archaeological exploration and cultural heritage conservation. The ship’s restoration and exhibition allow modern audiences to appreciate its significance and marvel at the ingenuity of early Iron Age shipbuilders.

Inner view of oak made Nydam-boat: frames are adjusted to planks by spacers and fixed by ropes. Photo: Andree Stephan

Cultural Impact

The Nydam ship serves as a testament to the maritime capabilities and ritualistic practices of early Germanic societies. Its preservation and display offer a tangible connection to the past, enabling contemporary observers to explore the technological and cultural achievements of a bygone era. As the oldest known Germanic deep-sea rowing vessel, the Nydam ship continues to inspire fascination and admiration, providing valuable insights into the maritime heritage of Northern Europe.

The Nydam ship stands as a remarkable artifact of early Iron Age naval mastery, embodying the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and maritime prowess of early Germanic societies. Its discovery at the Nydam Mose bog, alongside a wealth of military artifacts, highlights its role in both warfare and sacrificial practices, offering a window into the cultural and technological landscape of the time. As a pioneering example of clinker-built ship design, the Nydam ship not only reflects the advancements in early shipbuilding but also serves as a precursor to the iconic Viking longships that would dominate the seas in later centuries. Through its preservation and continued study, the Nydam ship remains a symbol of the enduring legacy of early Northern European maritime tradition.

Bibliography

Bonde, N., and C. Engelhardt. 1987. “Dendrochronological Studies of the Nydam Ships.” Journal of Archaeological Science 14, pp. 165-180.

Christensen, A. E. 1988. Nordic Clinker-built Boats. Roskilde: The Viking Ship Museum.

Crumlin-Pedersen, O. 1995. Ships and Boats of the North: The Ship as Symbol in Prehistoric and Medieval Scandinavia. Roskilde: The Viking Ship Museum.

Crumlin-Pedersen, O. 2007. The Sea in Prehistoric and Medieval Scandinavia. Roskilde: The Viking Ship Museum.

Durham, E., and P. Noon. 2002. “Iron Age Naval Warfare: The Role of the Nydam Ship.” IntJNautArch 31, pp. 206-221.

Gebühr, M. 2001. Nydam and Thorsberg: Iron Age Places of Sacrifice. Schleswig: Museum für Archäologie Schloss Gottorf.

Gregory, N. 1993. “Dendrochronology and the Dating of the Nydam Ship.” Antiquity 67, pp. 283-292.

Hale, J. 1998. Early Seafaring and Iron Age Vessels: The Nydam Ship in Context. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

MacGregor, G. 2009. Early Germanic Seafaring and the Development of the Northern Seas. London: Routledge.

Pedersen, R. 2005. “Sacrificial Ships: The Nydam Ship as a Ritual Object.” JNA 10, pp. 45-67.

Skre, D. 2007. Ships of the Gods: The Sacred Role of Boats in Early Germanic Religion. Madison: Scandinavian Studies Press.

Abbreviations Used

IntJNautArch: International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

JNA: Journal of Northern Archaeology