Archaeological discoveries

What does a Galleon look like?

Hull

* Long and slender, with a high bow and stern

* Typically three or four masts, with lateen sails

* A forecastle and quarterdeck, both of which were raised platforms

* A poop deck, which was a raised platform at the stern

* Equipped with a figurehead on the bow

* Carried a crew of 100 to 200 men

Rigging

* Lateen sails, which were triangular in shape and attached to a long yard

* The mainmast and foremast were square-rigged, while the mizzenmast was lateen-rigged

* The sails were controlled by a system of ropes and pulleys called the running rigging

* The standing rigging held the masts and sails in place

Armament

* Armed with a variety of cannons, including culverins, demi-culverins, and saker

* The cannons were mounted on the gun decks, which were located below the main deck

* The cannons could fire both round shot and chain shot

* The galleon also carried a number of arquebuses and muskets for close-quarters combat

Speed and Maneuverability

* The galleon was a fast and maneuverable ship, capable of sailing up to 12 knots

* It was also able to tack and gybe, which made it difficult for other ships to track

* The galleon was used for a variety of purposes, including exploration, trade, and warfare