A Spanish galleon was a large sailing ship used primarily by Spain from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These ships were designed for long voyages and were often heavily armed to protect against pirates. Galleons played a crucial role in trade, especially in the Spanish treasure fleet, transporting valuable goods like silver and gold from the Americas to Europe. The design of galleons combined features of both merchant ships and warships, making them versatile for various purposes. They typically had a high stern and multiple decks, allowing for greater cargo capacity. Galleons are often associated with the Age of Exploration and the expansion of European empires.