Battle of Lepanto (1571)

The naval Battle of Lepanto took place on 7 October 1571, at the northern edge of the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth (then the Gulf of Lepanto), off western Greece. A galley fleet of the Holy League, a sometimes-flimsy coalition of Pope Pius V, Spain, the Venice, Genoa, Savoy, Naples, the Knights of Malta and others, defeated a force of Ottoman galleys. It was the final major naval battle in world history to take place between exclusively oared-galleys.

Forces

See the Battle of Lepanto Order of Battle

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The Holy League's fleet consisted of 206 galleys and 6 galleasses, and was ably-commanded by Don John of Austria (Don Juan, who was the illegitimate son of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor). Vessels had been contributed by the various Christian factions who were supporting the Habsburgs: 105 galleys and 6 galleasses from Venice, 80 from Habsburg Spain, 12 from the Papal States, 3 from Genoa, 3 from Malta, 3 from Savoy and several, privately-owned galleys, most or all of whom viewed the Turkish navy as their maritime naval trade rival for the profitable Mediterranean Sea trade routes.

Related Topics:
Galleasses - Don John of Austria - Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor - Venice - Habsburg Spain - Papal States - Genoa - Malta - Savoy

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The Habsburg-controlled fleet was manned by 13,000 sailors, and 43,000 rowers. In addition, it bore almost 30,000 fighting troops; chiefly Spanish regular infantry, of excellent quality. Also present, and under Spanish pay, were German and Italian mercenary contingents from the various Habsburg dominions. Volunteers were also generously represented.

Related Topics:
German - Italian - Mercenary

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Ali Pasha (Ali Pa?a), supported by the buccaneers Chulouk Bey of Alexandria (also called Scirocco, Mehmet Shuluk or Suluk Pasha) and Uluj Ali (also known as Uluch Ali and later Kilitch Ali), was at the head of approximately 220-230 galleys, 50-60 galliots, and some smaller vessels belonging to the Ottomans. The Turks enjoyed skilled and experienced crews, but were somewhat deficient in soldiers.

Related Topics:
Ali Pasha - Chulouk Bey of Alexandria - Uluj Ali - Galliots

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One of the better-known participants in the battle was Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who was wounded in the battle, and effectively lost the use of his left hand. He was later taken hostage by the Turks, and spent five years in captivity as a prisoner of war. This episode of his life is believed to be referenced in his masterpiece, Don Quixote.

Related Topics:
Miguel de Cervantes - Prisoner of war - Don Quixote

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