The king’s spice cabinet–Plant remains from Gribshunden, a 15th century royal shipwreck in the Baltic Sea

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281010
• Publication Date: 2023-01-26T18:32:33Z
• Authors: Mikael Larsson; Brendan Foley
• Keywords: Aristocracy (class); Baltic sea; Elite; Cabinet (room)

Maritime archaeological investigations of the wreck medieval warship Gribshunden (1495), flagship King Hans Denmark and Norway, have revealed diverse artifacts including exotic spices imported from far distant origins: saffron, ginger, clove, peppercorns, almond. The special circumstances vessel’s last voyage add unique context to assemblage. an accompanying squadron conveyed king, courtiers, noblemen, soldiers Copenhagen a political summit in Kalmar, Sweden. At that conference, expected Swedish Council elect him king Sweden, thereby fulfill his ambition reunify Nordic region under single crown. To achieve this, assembled fleet particularly aboard people elite cultural signifiers would convince delegation accept rule. Along way, ships anchored near Ronneby, Blekinge. Written sources record explosion fire caused sink off Stora Ekön (Great Oak Island). Exotic were status markers among aristocracy Scandinavia around Baltic Sea during Middle Ages (1050–1550 CE). Until finds, these extravagances rarely or never been represented archaeologically. Evidence their use consumption has limited sparse written references. We present here botanical remains shipwreck compare them previous archaeobotanical finds region. These opulent symbols traveled with en route major historical event. combination textual evidence allows novel analytical view social environment which luxurious foods consumed.