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Galleon Warships

Type Object Region Atlantic Time c. 1550–1700

The principal sailing warships of the Atlantic and Mediterranean in the 16th–17th centuries, characterized by high sides, multiple gun decks, and hea…

Timeline

  1. c. 1633–1637Atlantic sea lanes · North AtlanticSpanish and Portuguese galleon fleets escorted American silver fleets back and forth, with enlarged hulls and over 30 broadside guns, balancing cargo capacity and firepower to become dual platforms for transoceanic trade and military projection.
  2. c. 1638–1640North Sea and English Channel · North SeaEngland and the Netherlands adapted the galleon into a line-of-battle ship better suited to fleet combat, reducing cargo space and strengthening upper works and heavy guns, providing the hull basis for subsequent line tactics.

Sources