Ships of the line were the largest and most heavily armed sailing warships, built to fight in the line of battle rather than chase small raiders. European navies deployed them in major anti-piracy campaigns, most notably the bombardment of Algiers in 1816 aimed at ending Barbary corsair activity.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Warship |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 17th-19th century |
| Typical Crew | 500-850 |
| Guns / Cannons | 64-120 |
| Speed / Handling | Slow, built for broadside firepower |
| Notable Use | Used in the 1816 Anglo-Dutch bombardment of Algiers against Barbary corsairs |
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