- The Spanish Armada consisted of around 130 ships, making it one of the largest fleets of the time.
- Different ships took part in the Armada: _galleons, galleasses, pataches, carracks, urcas, and zabras._
- Galleons were the largest and most powerful vessels of the Armada. They were armed with heavy cannons and had a crew of around 200 men.
- Galleasses were smaller than galleons and had a crew of around 150 men. They were armed with cannons and had a large number of oarsmen who could propel the ship in calm weather.
- Pataches were small, armed sailing vessels often used for scouting and carrying messages.
- Carracks were large, round cargo vessels that were also used as warships.
- Urcas were smaller, round cargo vessels used for carrying supplies.
- Zabras were small, rowing vessels often used for exploration and reconnaissance.
Artillery
- Spanish ships were armed with a variety of cannons, including culverins, demi-culverins, sakers, and minions.
- Culverins were the heaviest and most powerful cannons, capable of firing a 24-pound shot.
- Demi-culverins were smaller than culverins and could fire a 16-pound shot.
- Sakers were smaller than demi-culverins and could fire a 12-pound shot.
- Minions were the smallest cannons and could fire a 6-pound shot.
- Each ship typically carried a mix of cannons, with the larger ships carrying more heavy guns.
Other Equipment
- In addition to cannons, ships were also armed with arquebuses, muskets, and pistols.
- Arquebuses were long-barreled guns that were fired by a matchlock mechanism.
- Muskets were shorter-barreled guns that were fired by a flintlock mechanism.
- Pistols were small, handheld guns that were fired by a flintlock mechanism.
- Ships also carried a variety of other equipment, including anchors, sails, ropes, and navigation instruments.