Archaeological Discovery Unveils the Grim History of Two 18th-Century Slave Ships off Costa Rica
A recent archaeological investigation has shed light on the identities of two 18th-century shipwrecks discovered off the coast of Costa Rica’s Cahuita National Park. For over three centuries, these vessels, named Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus, rested in the shallow waters, their true purpose obscured by time and misinterpretation. Initial assumptions pointed to them being pirate ships, but new evidence has revealed a far more somber truth: they were slave ships used to transport enslaved Africans.
The revelation, brought to light by a team of archaeologists, has sparked significant interest and emotion, particularly among the local population. The National Museum of Denmark archaeologist David John Gregory stated that the two ships carried an estimated 600 to 700 African slaves, along with around 100 crew members, when they met their watery demise in 1710.
According to historical accounts, almost all of the enslaved people were released onto the forested coast of what is now Costa Rica after the ships were abandoned. However, approximately 20 individuals were forcibly taken aboard smaller vessels and transported to the nearby Spanish town of Portobello.
Gregory explained that the Fridericus Quartus was deliberately set ablaze by its crew, while the Christianus Quintus was freed from its moorings and soon after ran aground on the coast. The fate of the enslaved people who were released on the Costa Rican coast is varied. East Carolina University reported that some assimilated into local communities, while others were unfortunately recaptured.
The archaeological team’s excavation was described as "minimal," focusing on a small area of approximately 21 square feet around the ships to obtain timber samples for analysis. Notably, Gregory stated that "No human remains were encountered [or] disturbed during the excavation process."
The dating of the ships was made possible through dendrochronological technology, which analyzes tree rings to determine the age of the wood. This analysis revealed that the timber used in the construction of the ships originated from Northern Europe at the end of the 17th century. Specifically, the wood came from the western part of the Baltic Sea, encompassing areas such as Mecklenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, and Scania. The analysis further indicated that the tree was cut down sometime between 1690 and 1695.
Adding to the evidence, the wood samples exhibited signs of charring and soot, corroborating historical accounts that the Fridericus Quartus was set on fire. Divers also discovered yellow clay bricks and clay piping, further suggesting a Danish origin for the ships.
Gregory previously stated that the findings "fit perfectly" with historical records of the ships. "The analyses are very convincing and we no longer have any doubts that these are the wrecks of the two Danish slave ships," he affirmed.
The significance of this discovery is not lost on the archaeologists involved. National Museum of Denmark marine archaeologist Andreas Kallmeyer Bloch described the project as "the craziest archaeological excavation I’ve yet been part of." He emphasized the project’s importance to the local population and its significance as "one of the most dramatic shipwrecks in the history of Denmark." He added, "Now we know exactly where it happened. This provides two pieces that have been missing from the history of Denmark."
The discovery of these slave ships has profound implications, offering a tangible link to a dark chapter in human history. It provides a unique opportunity to study the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on both Africa and the Americas. The artifacts recovered from the wrecks can offer insights into the lives of the enslaved people who were transported on these ships, as well as the conditions they endured.
Furthermore, the discovery has the potential to contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical connections between Denmark, Africa, and Central America. It highlights the role that Denmark played in the transatlantic slave trade and the consequences of this trade for the people and communities involved.
The ongoing research and analysis of the shipwrecks promise to reveal even more about the history of these ships and the people who were connected to them. The findings will undoubtedly contribute to a more complete and nuanced understanding of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting legacy. The collaboration between archaeologists, historians, and local communities will be crucial in ensuring that this important story is told accurately and sensitively.
The discovery of the Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the slave trade and the importance of remembering and learning from the past. It is a testament to the power of archaeology to uncover hidden histories and bring to light stories that might otherwise be forgotten. The ongoing research promises to shed further light on this dark chapter in history and provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of those who were impacted by the transatlantic slave trade.
