Sam Amico
If you ever wondered how they cooked back in the day — as in way, way back in the day — we may finally have an idea.
Videos by Rare
Thanks to a 500-year-old shipwreck, it seems we at least have an idea.
More specifically, the Danish warship Gribshunden exploded in the Baltic Sea in 1495, and while just about most everything on the ship was lost, the spices used by King Hans of Denmark have been preserved. The ship was considered a “floating castle” of Hans.
A study on these spices was published by PLOS One.
“This is perhaps the most thrilling haul of spices from a shipwreck because of its age, quality of the plant remains — exotic, expensive spices — and the remarkable state of preservation,” co-author Brendan Foley told Newsweek. “Beyond shipwrecks, this is certainly among the most fabulous discoveries of spices in any archaeological context, on land or sea.”
Pepper Found!
Spices such as saffron, clove, ginger, peppercorns, mustard, and dill were among those discovered. Along with that, the haul uncovered some fruits, vegetables and nuts.
“We see that King Hans and his social circle not only consumed these expensive delicacies, Hans also used the spices to demonstrate his wealth and global connections,” Foley said.
The sunken ship occurred when King Hans and his crew were on their way to Sweden, where Hans was to attend a political summit and try to convince the Swedes to submit to his rule. He may have planned to entice them with food.
“We see that King Hans and his social circle not only consumed these expensive delicacies, Hans also used the spices to demonstrate his wealth and global connections,” Foley said.
