The Vasa was a powerful warship ordered by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, constructed at the height of the Thirty Years' War. Designed by the naval architect Hein Jacobsson, she was intended to be one of the most formidable vessels in the Swedish fleet, showcasing not only military might but also the artistic prowess of contemporary Swedish craftspeople. The design of the Vasa featured intricate carvings and a striking appearance, with two full gun decks that were armed with 64 cannons, making her a symbol of national pride as well as technological advancement.

On August 10, the Vasa set sail on her maiden voyage from Stockholm; however, it quickly became apparent that she was top-heavy. The ship had a shallow keel and lacked adequate ballast, leading to stability issues. Just minutes after departing, a sudden gust of wind caused her to heel over and take on water through the open gun ports. Within minutes, the Vasa capsized and sank to the bottom of the harbor, tragically taking with her over 30 crew members. The incident stunned Stockholm and indicated significant flaws in shipbuilding practices of the time.

The recovery efforts began almost immediately, although the wreck would remain submerged for over 300 years. During this time, the Vasa became a notable piece of submerged cultural heritage. Eventually, she was salvaged in 1961 and has since been painstakingly restored and preserved. Today, the Vasa Museum in Stockholm proudly displays the ship, educating visitors about 17th-century naval engineering and Swedish maritime history.