Battle of Lepanto
Gulf of Patras, Ionian Sea
What happened
John of Austria, son of Emperor Charles V, commanded the fleet of the Holy League against the Ottoman fleet led by Ali Pasha. Pope Pius V brought together Spain, Venice and other Catholic states in a Holy League after the Ottomans attacked the Venetian island of Cyprus. The two great fleets of oared warships met in the Gulf of Patras off western Greece. Venetian galleasses fired on the Ottoman line, the ships closed in fierce fighting, and when Ali Pasha's flagship was captured, the Holy League won.
Why it matters
Result: Holy League victory. Leaders: John of Austria / Álvaro de Bazán against Ali Pasha / Mahomet Sirocco. Why it matters: The battle has long been compared to the ancient Battle of Salamis, and it was a great boost to morale in Catholic Europe. But the Ottomans rebuilt their fleet quickly.
What came next
The alliance soon began to unravel, and in 1573 Venice made peace with the Ottomans and gave up Cyprus.
Did you know?
The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes fought in the battle as a soldier.
Timeline
- 7 October 1571 CEThe Holy League defeats the Ottoman fleet near Lepanto.
- 1573 CEVenice makes peace and gives up Cyprus.
- 1578 CEJohn of Austria dies.