decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. Used for both warfare and cargo transport, galleons were characterized by their large size, extravagant construction, and heavy armament. They were typically square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast and lateen-rigged on the mizzenmast. Galleons were largely responsible for the maritime dominance of Spain during the Age of Exploration.

decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. 1. The Spanish Armada of 1588 was renowned for its impressive fleet of galleons that were used in an attempt to invade England. 2. The San Juan Bautista was a noted galleon ship that was used by the Japanese during the late 16th century to establish trade relationships with countries like Mexico and Spain. 3. The Gold Galleon, famed in naval history, was a heavy, heavily-armed cargo carrying ship used by the Spanish to transport gold and other valuable commodities from their colonies in the New World to their homeland. 4. The "Vasa", a Swedish galleon that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, has been recovered and is now displayed in a museum. Despite the tragic initial voyage, the Vasa is a remarkable representation of the grandeur and complexity of traditional galleon design. 5. The English naval galleon, the Ark Royal, played a significant role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. It was one of the first ships to be built using a new design that allowed for heavier guns and more stability in rough seas.

-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. Fun fact: The word "galleon" actually originates from the old French word "gallee" meaning "war vessel". In the heyday of large, heavily-armed galleons, these ships could carry a crew of up to 800 men! These majestic ships had three or more masts and were built for long ocean voyages. Galleons were the backbone of European overseas empires and were used for both trading and war during the age of exploration. One of the most famous galleons was the Spanish Armada's 'San Martin', which was the flagship in the historic 1588 battle against England. This beast of a ship, like other galleons of the time, was essentially a floating fortress, carrying a whopping 48 heavy guns and 30 light artillery pieces – illustrating the true power and grandeur of these iconic historical vessels.