Can you create rich websites (more than just text) using Google Sites?

After trying out Google Sites to create a website, I feel it is very limited to mainly text features. I have tried to find a way to implement elements directly using HTML, but to no avail. Buttons are completely blocked, which is a great disadvantage.

I have tried JQuery, but all script is blocked.

Is there anyway to implement elements like <img> using Google Sites HTML?