Frigates first appeared in the Mediterranean Sea during the 15th century. They were lightly armed, fitted with oars, and primarily built for speed and maneuverability in coastal or shallow waters. The Dutch were the first to build them large enough to venture into the open seas and used them in their struggle for independence from Spain. The success of the Dutch frigate was noted by the British and the design concept was adopted by the Royal Navy. Frigates became the workhorses during the Age of Sail. They could carry several months of rations and were used extensively as fast carriers, long-range escorts, patrol vessels, and as commerce raiders. Their armament usually consisted of a single deck of guns to provide enough firepower to stand against any ship except the heavily armoured capital ships. A frigate, if necessary could easily outmaneuver and outrun the heavier ships.
