A Ship of the Line

A ship of the line was a large, powerful warship used primarily from the 17th to early 19th centuries, designed for fleet battles. Named because it would line up in formation ("line of battle"), these ships carried numerous heavy cannons on multiple decks, allowing them to deliver devastating firepower during naval combat. They were the backbone of navies, capable of engaging enemy ships in coordinated, large-scale tactics. Their size, strength, and firepower made them symbols of national maritime power during the Age of Sail.