← Explore on the interactive map

Spanish Galleon

Type Object Region Spain Time c. 1550–1700

The Spanish Empire's main ocean-going sailing vessel of the 16th–17th centuries, combining armed escort and cargo functions, and the core carrier of …

Timeline

  1. 1611–1613Caribbean Sea — Havana · CubaGalleons were incorporated into the annual treasure fleets, carrying silver from the ports of New Spain and Peru, escorted by armed galleons through the Caribbean, and assembled at Havana before crossing the Atlantic.
  2. 1614–1617Cádiz · SpainAs the port of Seville silted up, more merchant galleons shifted to entering and leaving via Cádiz, carrying American goods, slave-trade supplies, and imperial provisions on long-haul voyages.
  3. 1618–1620Coast of Flanders · Low CountriesDuring the intertwined Thirty Years' War and Eighty Years' War, armed galleons took part in Spanish blockades and escort operations against Dutch privateors and the navy of the United Provinces in the waters off the Low Countries.

Sources