The purpose of the excavation was to examine the wreck both as a war machine and as an instrument of political power, as well as to better understand the social structure and hierarchy on board. In addition, the aim was to create a better understanding of the daily life on the ship, as well as the circumstances of the sinking. In addition to this, the surveys were also about being able to put the ship in the context of the planned meeting in Kalmar and shed light on the interaction between the Nordic countries during this time of the Kalmar Union.