Events surrounding the construction of a tunnel in Varberg, Sweden, which is planned to be part of the West Coast Line expansion project, were discovered to be the location of several objects that will change how we view Varberg and its history. During the digging, construction crews unearthed 6 shipwrecks (4 of which date to the Middle Ages or Late Middle Ages). Two of the shipwrecks were confirmed by experts from Arkeologerna, part of the National Historical Museums of Sweden and include findings dating back to medieval times and one ship from the 17th century (and one undated).
These artefacts provide evidence into how Nordic people have traded and defended themselves over hundreds of years and how shipbuilding has developed over that time and under modern construction. The discoveries will no doubt update how we view Varberg and its historical significance for future generations. The present time, compared to historical records and other unique archaeological activities that occurred since the beginning of the 20th century, creates an interesting challenge for the study of maritime history and trade, and particularly Scandinavian Maritime Trade History.
