12th century, Germany
The Hanseatic cog was a medieval type of vessel used by the Hanseatic fleet.
The Hanseatic fleet was established by the Hanseatic League which was an important part of history where merchants guilds of 70 towns, mostly German, decided to create a confederation for the protection of trade interests ...
12th century, Germany
The Hanseatic cog was a medieval type of vessel used by the Hanseatic fleet.
The Hanseatic fleet was established by the Hanseatic League which was an important part of history where merchants guilds of 70 towns, mostly German, decided to create a confederation for the protection of trade interests along commercial maritime routes in Northern Europe.
The Hanseatic vessels became the main means of transport and their constant development over 500 years ensured an ever increase in trade.
Cogs were single mast, square-rigged, single sail vessels made of oak and could carry up to 200 tonnes. They appeared in the 10th century and were widely used for trading purposes from the 12th century onwards.
Cog vessels having reached their limits were later on replaced with hulks which in turn were replaced by carracks and caravels.
