Colonial ships were vessels used during the age of exploration and colonization, primarily from the 15th to the 18th centuries. These ships were designed for long voyages across oceans, carrying goods, people, and sometimes enslaved individuals. Common types included caravels, galleons, and fluyts, each suited for different purposes like trade or military missions. These ships played a crucial role in the expansion of empires, such as the British Empire and the Spanish Empire. They facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between Europe and the Americas, Africa, and Asia, significantly impacting global history and trade networks.