- In the XVI th century, the Ottoman Empire was at its height. Its domination over the Mediterranean was such that the Ottoman fleets plundered the European coasts, worrying the sovereigns and the Church, unable to defend themselves.
- The Christian coalitions and other crusades broke against the Ottoman army and the tension between the two poles was at its height, especially since the Christian victory of the siege of Malta in 1565 gave hope to Europeans.
- The attack on Cyprus by the Ottomans in 1570 prompted Pope Pius V to call for the formation of a Holy League, which brought together the pontifical, Spanish and Venetian fleets (the Republic of Venice ceased to be lenient with regard to to its Ottoman trading partner) and a few other powers. In addition to the religious conflict, it is about protecting European borders and maintaining control over the Mediterranean.
- The Holy League brings together more than 200 ships, led by the half-brother of King Philip II of Spain, don Juan of Austria. This is almost as much as the Ottoman fleet, led by Ali Pasha.
October 7, 1571
Characters
Philip II of Spain
Pie V
Don Juan of Austria
Ali Pasha
Procedure
On October 7, 1571, the Holy League fleet dragged the Ottoman fleet into the Gulf of Lepanto, off Greece. Handy and armed with cannons, it takes the advantage during boarding because much of the fighting takes place on the decks of ships.
The 6 Venetian galleasses, veritable heavily armed floating fortresses, destabilize the Ottoman forces which only have galleys.
The Holy League defeats Ali Pasha, causing what remains of the Ottoman fleet to flee.
If the Christians sank more than 50 galleys and seized 100 others, a heavy loss for the empire which also counts 20,000 dead and the liberation of more than 10,000 Christian slaves; the League also paid a heavy price:8,000 dead and nearly 20,000 injured.
Consequences
- This disproportionate battle remains etched in history not only for its scale but also because it marks the minds of Europe by showing that the Ottoman Empire can be defeated. Christians will redouble their ardor against their Muslim enemy whose expansion is stopped in Lepanto, marking the end of Mediterranean hegemony.
- Nevertheless, this victory had little impact:a year later, the Ottoman fleet defended Cyprus with a fleet of 250 ships, including galleasses.