Konstanz discovery: Medieval ship hull found in basement ceiling

Archaeologists in Konstanz, Germany, have discovered a nearly intact medieval ship hull integrated into the ceiling of a basement dating back to 1244. During a feasibility study, researchers from the State Office for Monument Preservation in Stuttgart identified that the structure was not composed of standard wooden beams, but rather a large section of a ship's hull.

The discovery includes at least 19 original planks covering more than 25 square meters. Unlike typical finds where only individual fragments are reused, this find is unique because a largely continuous section of the hull was preserved in its original sequence. The timbers feature characteristic wooden pegs, nail rows, and caulking.

Preliminary analysis suggests the vessel was likely a flat-bottomed cargo ship common on Lake Constance during the Middle Ages. The find provides rare insight into medieval construction and resource management, as high-quality timber from decommissioned ships was frequently repurposed for civil buildings to save labor and materials.