In 1967, in the village of Ralswiek on the legendary island of Rügen has been made a very significant finding. When carrying out road works, bucket made of earth several interconnected wooden dowels oak planks. The builder took his find was working nearby archaeologists and those soon began excavations, during which it was discovered four of the Ancient ship and the whole trade settlement. Settlement existed there since VIII century and was in the Middle Ages one of the most important ports in the Baltic Sea. It is assumed that it is here, protected from storms by the Bay, not ill-suited for this rocky, with numerous shoals, the beach, and has a fleet of Ruyan. Ralswiek was destroyed by the enemy, most likely Danish, attacks. This is evidenced by the traces of fire and treasure in the 2203 Arab dichroism, suggesting that rook and were hastily buried Ruyan, in order to avoid the destruction of the enemy.
History of excavation was not easy.
Excavated in the late 60’s ships had to be buried back in the ground, as no funds were allocated for conservation. The second time they dug up in 1980 for display at an international conference. And this time, do not come up with anything better than to bury again the most valuable finds. It is not known how much more did these strange manipulations, if not occurred German unification. In the new state found the money for adequate attitude to historical values in 1993 boat dug a third time, with subsequent preservation, and after a while some time, a working group for the reconstruction of the most well-preserved ship. According to the estimates of archaeologists, built this boat was about 977 wood grown on or in Pomerania Rügen, the use of wooden dowels proves that builders were Slavs (Scandinavians used metal nails).
That’s it now looks Ralswiek bay. When there was a strong fleet Ruyan, and now — the scenery for the annual performances, telling about the famous pirate Störtebeker.
In 1999, the archaeological community of Mecklenburg was released a small but chic illustrated booklet describing the history of reconstruction. Renovated had two identical rooks, one
of which can now be seen in Gross Raden. Next photo of the book mentioned above.
Not yet dug find. Ralswiek, 1993.
Scheme excavated parts.
Enactors started work. First of cardboard were cut and made up a small copy of the excavated parts.
Then make a drawing for the reconstruction.
The material for the boat — oak was taken to Gross Raden.
To aid in the reconstruction of a Danish specialist was invited Hanus Jensen, already had experience in the reconstruction of Viking ship Gedesbi.
In a post on the topic was raised Ljubinka izgovotleniya boards in the Middle Ages. In the photo you can always just follow this time-consuming process. The reconstruction was carried out quite authentic, technology of the time, using analogues of early instruments.
First you will need a wedge to split the trunk in two.
Tools applied for this.
Then split each half of the barrel to «slices.»
And already the ax then planed to the desired thickness. In the photo for comparison: the original «slice» and ready to board.
Lumber — blanks for boats. Only 3 of the barrel. It is hard to imagine how much work is processed so worth 11,580 cubic meters of wood for strength.
Blanks for riser — shtevenya.
Finished boards soaked in water.
Work on the reconstruction of the boat right place at the fortress Gross Radena.
Processing of the riser.
Tool set reenactors.
2 versions of risers (was renovated two rooks)
To give their boards curved heated over the coals, moistening with water.
Then squared plane.
For better water resistance between boards zakonopachena was soaked in the resin mixture sheep and dog hair with human hair.
Then coated with resin and the board itself.
Manufacture of wooden dowels.
Rook in the reconstruction process.
1.Prazdnichnoe deflated boat on the water in Gross Raden. The ship was named «BIALY KON» (Bialy horse), I think, of course, in honor of what))
2.Yakor.
3. Transfer-stone ballast reenactors from Roskilde Viking boat.
On one of the renovations was to travel, to widespread among medieval route from Ralswiek on Ruegen in Wolin, with stops in the old center of trade.
On Wolin-Wynette!
Another boat is now in the Gross Raden.