A "Ship of the Line" refers to a type of naval warship that was prominent from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries. These ships were designed for battle in a line of battle formation, where they would engage enemy vessels in organized rows. Typically, they were heavily armed with cannons and had multiple decks, allowing for a large crew and significant firepower. The design of a Ship of the Line evolved over time, with notable examples including the HMS Victory and the USS Constitution. These ships played a crucial role in naval warfare, particularly during conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars and the American Revolutionary War. Their dominance eventually declined with the advent of steam-powered vessels and ironclad ships.