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Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540-1596 CE) was an English mariner, privateer and explorer who in 1588 CE helped defeat the Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain (r. 1556-1598 CE) which attempted to invade the kingdom of Elizabeth I of England (r...
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The Spanish Armada, Jul-Sep 1588
A map illustrating the route and failing fortunes of the Spanish Armada (from Spanish - Grande y Felicísima Armada, “Great and Most Fortunate Fleet”) in 1588. A crucial part of a planned invasion of England by King Philip II of Spain, the...
Definition
Buccaneer
The buccaneers were privateers who attacked enemies of their state, namely Spain, in the Caribbean and on the American coast (the Spanish Main) throughout the 17th century. Initially hunters and then seamen and soldiers, the buccaneers successfully...
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Spanish Galleon Under Attack
A 17th-century painting by Juan de la Corte showing a Spanish galleon under attack. (Museo del Prado, Madrid)
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Map of the Spanish Main & Caribbean Pirate Havens c. 1670 - Trade, Treasure, and the Golden Age of Piracy
This map illustrates the maritime routes of Spain’s Treasure Fleets and the network of Caribbean ports and pirate havens around 1670. It captures the tension between imperial commerce and maritime raiding, showing both the logistical arteries...
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Spanish Colonial Empire in the Age of Exploration
A map illustrating the rise of Spain into a global colonial and trading power following the European Age of Exploration of the 15th Century.
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Spain and the Spanish Indies
A map illustrating one of the most significant processes of the early modern period - the rise and decline of Spain between the late fifteenth and the late seventeenth centuries. From a patchwork of kingdoms in the north of the Iberian peninsula...
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Map of Spanish Main & West Indies c.1720 - Spain, France, England, and the Dutch in a Struggle Over Trade, Treasure, and Empire
This map captures the shifting tides of colonial power in the 1700s, focusing on the strategic coastlines of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Once dominated by Spain, this region—known as the Spanish Main and the West Indies—became...
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Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America in the 16th century
A map illustrating Spain’s drive to expand its empire following the 1492 Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula and Columbus's discovery of America. Inspired by tales of land and instant riches, thousands flocked to the New World with hopes...
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Spanish Galleon Firing Cannons
A detail of a 17th-century painting by Cornelis Verbeeck showing a Spanish galleon firing its cannons. In the complete painting, the ship is in combat with a Dutch vessel c. 1618 in an unknown location. (National Gallery of Art, Washington...
