From the end of the 15th century, the island of Cyprus was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and became one of the most important commercial centers in the Mediterranean. Almost a century later, the sultan Selim II seized power in the Ottoman Empire. . He always showed more concern for poetry, good eating and, above all, good drinking, than for the arts of politics. He was almost addicted to Cyprus wine, more specifically Commandaria , revered already in Ancient Greece and still produced today. Legend has it that, to ensure a continuous supply of wine, he decided to invade Cyprus in 1570. The reaction of the Christian community was swift; the Holy League was created (Crown of Spain, Republic of Venice, Republic of Genoa, the Papal States and the Order of Malta) and faced the Ottoman Empire at Lepanto. Despite the victory of the League, led by Don Juan de Austria Cyprus remained under Ottoman rule for three centuries.
Selim II
Although the fact of thinking that he could invade Cyprus for wine may seem frivolous, the reality is that Selim II has gone down in history with the nickname of the Drunk and, moreover, he died as he lived… due to a huge drunkenness he fell down and died hitting his head. So, it wouldn't be strange either.