Model of a galley

The galley originated in the Mediterranean region. It is a manoeuvrable, oar-powered vessel of shallow draught that is not particularly suited to deep water. Galleys were deployed in Dutch waters during the Eighty Years’ War and were also used by the Swedish and Russian navies in the Baltic. This model was reputedly made for Tsar Peter the Great, but has actually been confused with the frigate Galei, built for the Russian ruler in 1721.