The Spanish Main was the name given to the New World territories seized by Spain in the 16th century. These stretched from northern California to the tip of South America. They contained the treasure of the Aztec and Inca peoples. Plundering this wealth, the Spanish began shipping it through the Caribbean and out across the Atlantic to Spain. The value of the cargoes exceeded men's wildest dreams, when Drake raided Nombre de Dios in 1572 he seized 15 tons of gold and thousands of silver dollars. Not surprisingly, region was soon swarming with the likes of Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and Mary Read.Galleons (a large three masted sailing vessel with a high stern) had two advantages, superior height and gunfire. To overcome these, the pirates attack from the stern defended by only a few cannons. If galleons had been caught alone or at anchor the pirates would attack. If the ship was part of a convey or under sail, the pirates would not risk attack.
