Unlocking the Secrets of Denmark’s Oldest Plank Boat
Around 2,400 years ago , long before the rise of the Roman Empire, a fleet of sleek wooden vessels crossed the Baltic Sea toward the island of Als in southern Jutland, Denmark. These boats carried approximately 80 warriors , armed with spears, shields, and iron swords. Their journey and craftsmanship left behind one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in Northern Europe: the Hjortspring boat , Denmark’s oldest known plank-built vessel. A Unique Construction Unlike later ships that relied on iron nails, the Hjortspring boat was built using sewn planks . The seams were carefully caulked with tar to make the vessel seaworthy. Measuring about 20 meters in length , the boat was both lightweight and durable, designed for speed and maneuverability across the Baltic waters. The Fingerprint Discovery Recent research has revealed a fascinating detail: an ancient fingerprint preserved in the tar used to seal the boat. This fingerprint provides a direct human connection to the builder...