A 12th‐Century Slavic Ship from Wolin, Poland

Abstract

Wreck 10 found in Recław, near Wolin, in 2003, is described in detail and the remains are examined to determine whether the vessel they represent was a river ferry, as has been suggested previously, or a medieval seagoing ship, built in the Slav tradition. The location of the wreck is also considered in relation to early medieval settlement in the area to investigate whether it was a harbour.

Key words:

• Wolin
• Recław
• wreck
• early Middle Ages
• Slavic shipbuilding
• Poland

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my very great appreciation to Prof. Tomasz Ważny for sharing his recent dendrochronology research. I would like also to thank Władysław Filipowiak, who died a year ago, for information about the excavation of wreck 10 and materials from his private archive.