English: A view of the Vasa's stern, photographed by Andy Carvin in June 2004. Known as the sterncastle, this high structure was to offer advantage to the ship's soldiers (marines), who could shoot downward onto the decks of enemy ships. The bulging portion seen at the bottom of the picture is a fighting gallery for the marines. The topmost deck is the quarterdeck. From here the ship was commanded and steered. The excess height and mass of this portion of the ship, relative to the width (beam) was a major contributor to the instability of the ship which led to its sinking. The white and orange painted portion seen on the gallery roof is representative of the coloring of much of the ship. The detailed carvings on the stern were also painted in multiple colors.