Ship of the Line

A Ship of the Line was a large warship used from the 17th to the 19th century, designed for naval battles involving line-of-battle tactics. These ships were heavily armed with multiple decks of cannons and built to engage enemy fleets in a straight line, maximizing firepower. They served as the core of naval fleets, showcasing national strength and enabling control of trade routes and territorial dominance. Building and maintaining Ships of the Line required significant resources and craftsmanship, reflecting advanced naval technology of their time and playing a crucial role in maritime warfare history.