The Gråharuna Shipwreck: A Window into Early Modern Seaborne Trade in the Baltic Sea
摘要
This paper investigates the Gråharuna shipwreck, situated in the Finnish outer archipelago, to illustrate its significance within the maritime trade networks of the sixteenth century Baltic Sea. The documentation of the visible wreck site was facilitated by advanced diving techniques and photogrammetry, enabling the creation of high-resolution models. The artefacts recovered include north-German lead-glazed pottery and Hessian crucibles, indicating the ship’s active participation in long-distance trade networks. The ship’s construction utilised timber from both Scandinavian and German sources, reflecting the interconnectedness of early modern trade and shipbuilding. This research contributes to the understanding of maritime archaeology within the Baltic context by highlighting the role of the Gråharuna shipwreck as a nexus of trade and cultural exchange in the sixteenth century. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, synthesising archaeological records with historical sources to construct a comprehensive view of maritime connectivity. The methodological framework incorporates both archaeological data and contemporary historical documents to enrich the understanding of social networks and interactions. The paper further highlights the importance of contextualising archaeological finds within the broader landscape of maritime trade and communication, shedding light on historical navigation routes and economic interdependencies of the period.