A galleon was a large sailing ship used primarily by Spanish and Portuguese sailors from the 1500s to the 1700s. These impressive vessels had multiple decks, three or four tall masts with enormous sails, and could carry heavy cargo across entire oceans.

Galleons became famous for transporting treasure: Spanish galleons would sail from ports in Mexico and South America back to Spain loaded with gold, silver, and precious gems mined in the New World. Because they carried such valuable cargo, galleons were built with thick wooden hulls and carried dozens of cannons to defend against pirates and enemy warships. Some galleons stretched over 150 feet long, making them among the largest ships of their time.

The design of galleons marked a major improvement in shipbuilding. Earlier ships struggled to sail well in different wind conditions, but galleons could travel both with and against the wind more effectively. This made them excellent for long-distance trade and naval warfare.

Many galleons sank in storms or battles, and today their wrecks lie scattered across the ocean floor. Treasure hunters still search for lost galleons, hoping to discover coins, jewelry, and artifacts that have rested underwater for centuries. When you hear about sunken treasure, there's a good chance it came from a galleon.