One of the bloodiest encounters during the Great Nordic War (1700-1721) took place in the Bay of Køge. Here 593 sailors lost their lives, as the ship of the line “Dannebroge” engaged in battle with a part of the Swedish fleet on the 4th October 1710. “Dannebroge” caught fire and exploded. Among the dead was the 45 years old Norwegian born captain Ivar Huitfeldt. Since then the encounter has been studied both using written sources and archaeological data.

Køge Museum, The Viking Ship Museum, Kalmar Läns Museum and The University of Southern Denmark’s maritime branch will use the 300 anniversary of the loss of “Dannebroge” to invite to an international congress with the title: “Encounters in the Baltic Sea 1450-1850. Archaeology and history hand in hand?”

The basic theme of the conference aims to address the subject of the Baltic Sea as an interactive melting pot for both friendly as well as hostile encounters during 400 years seen from a maritime perspective. It is a well-known fact that “Mare Balticum” has constituted a hot spot for trade and cultural exchange as well as hegemonic ambitions for several centuries.

Chronologically the 400-year time span of the conference chosen covers an exciting and interesting period in the history of the Baltic Sea. Themes as state formation processes and the building of the first state fleets during the 15th century are essential. A lot of encounters take place during these four centuries and a number of wreck sites related to the period have been identified and partially investigated. Other case studies related to the Napoleon War or the transition from sail to steam during the 19th century would fit into the theme of the conference.

Data from archaeological investigations and the written text as source for information are subject to a continuous scholarly debate. The conference wants to focus on questions regarding the relation between the archival and material sources in maritime archaeology. There is certainly a growing need for cooperation between and integration of archaeological data and data from historical text.

A constructive dialogue regarding the value of material culture as an equal to the written sources is a primary goal of the conference.

A number of speakers and themes have been identified – but it is still possible to list as a speaker. We will try to fit you into the programme which is just now arranged in a near to chronological order. The programme will be adjusted as new speakers come forward.