Ship of the Line

naval history · age of sail · warfare · huge ships

Built for battle formations. Ships of the line were designed to fight in tight columns where two opposing navies would line up side by side. When they got close enough, they would blast each other with cannons from their sides, called broadsides, and the side with more guns usually won.

Packed with cannons. These ships could carry hundreds of cannons stacked on multiple decks, making them the most powerful weapons at sea. A single ship of the line could take down smaller vessels with ease.

Ruled for centuries. From around 1600 to the mid-1800s, ships of the line dominated naval warfare and controlled the oceans. Nations built huge fleets of them to protect trade routes and win wars at sea.

Made of wood and skill. These giants were crafted from thousands of wooden pieces fitted together by expert shipbuilders. Despite their massive size, they required huge crews to sail and fight effectively.

Changed how navies fought. The ship of the line invented a whole new way of naval battle that other countries had to copy to stay competitive. This tactic stayed important until steam-powered iron ships eventually replaced them.