In a groundbreaking underwater archaeological discovery, researchers have discovered two Danish slave ships that sank off the coast of Central America in 1710. Found off the coast of present-day Costa Rica, these shipwrecks offer important evidence of Denmark’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, a chapter of history often overshadowed by more dominant colonial powers.
During an underwater excavation in 2023, a team of international archaeologists recovered a range of materials from the shipwreck sites. These included wood and mud bricks from the hulls, as well as artifacts such as clay pipes that were likely part of the cargo or used by the crew. Detailed analysis of the shipbuilding materials confirmed their Danish origin, dating back to the early 18th century.
This discovery is exceptional not only for the preservation of the shipwrecks, but also for its geopolitical implications. Although Denmark is less often discussed in the context of the slave trade, it ruled Caribbean colonies and was heavily involved in the trade of people from Africa to the Americas in the early modern era. These vessels may have been carrying enslaved Africans or returning from the West Indies with goods produced through forced labor.
Experts suggest that the location of the sunken ships hints at lesser-known slave trade routes in the region, perhaps linked to clandestine trade practices. The recovered artifacts are undergoing further study in laboratories in Denmark and Costa Rica to reconstruct the ships’ final voyages and their historical significance.
The find not only improves our understanding of European maritime expansion, but also deepens the global narrative of slavery, trade, and colonialism. By uncovering sunken relics of the past, archaeologists are piecing together long-lost stories that resonate with contemporary conversations about historical justice and memory.
Why it matters today
The legacy of the transatlantic slave trade continues to influence global socio-political dynamics. Such discoveries highlight the vast, interconnected networks that supported colonial economies and offer a fuller picture of European involvement. For historians, educators, and the general public, these finds serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of empire.
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