Page 48 - History of War - Issue 01-14

stern, poop and hold
The ship’s most striking feature was undoubtedly
its ornate stern, which befitted the son of a Holy
Roman Emperor (Charles V) – albeit an illegitimate
one. For the replica at Barcelona’s Maritime Museum,
this feature was painstakingly recreated from a
contemporary description. Although the poop deck
was elaborately decorated, it would become the
centre of resistance if the galley was ever boarded
by enemies during battle, with the crew clustering
there to defend their flag and Commander. As you
might expect from the largest ship of its time, the
Galera Real had a larger hold than ordinary war spacious hold The hold stored food, drink, weapons, armour,
galleys, with plenty of space for storage (see right). sailcloth, spars, clothing, ropes and a number of lockable chests
This came in useful for conflicts that necessitated in which the ship’s gentlemen could keep their possessions. There
spending a considerable amount of time at sea, was also a gunpowder room and a surgery.
and gave Don John’s fleet something of an advantage
over their lesser-equipped foes.

Principal Oarsmen’s bench
oarsman’s seat Deck Outrigger
Thole pin
Oars

Hull Waterline
Hold
Keel basic stores Grain, wine and water were always in store.
cross section Fresh vegetables and bread were taken aboard whenever possible.
gilded
baluster
Every tiny detail
around the stern,
where the admiral
resided in the
poop, was richly
carved then
gilded or painted.

eagle
The gilded eagles
on the stern were
a reference to the
Roman Empire
and Christian
Europe’s desire to
win back Rome’s
former lands from
Ottoman control.

the Face
oF medusa
The snake-headed
gorgon Medusa
stared out from the
stern of the Galera
Real, deflecting
evil and bringing
destruction on
the ships of Don
John’s enemies.

decorated stern The Galera Real was built in Barcelona in 1568 and decorated in Seville. The frieze at the
top of the stern showed Hercules in the Garden of the Hesperides. Below, the two lions held the coats of arms of
Austria and the Order of the Golden Fleece, while the four female figures represented Christian virtues.
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