An elaborately carved stern of 17th Century AD, Swedish warship Vasa. Sculptures depict a collection of ancient myths, biblical stories, and is designed to display a message of Swedish king, Gustavus Adolphus's courage and power. This photo also shows vessel’s four stern gunports, which were meant to house 24-pounder guns.

Vasa sank during 1628 AD, on her maiden voyage and was preserved by icy waters and salvaged up largely intact during 1961.

Vasa Museum

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