Battle of Lepanto
October 7th, 1571 marks the battle of the Gulf of Lepanto that we know today as the Gulf of Corinth. In the Mediterranean, between modern day Greece and Peloponnese, the Holy League and Christendom fought the advancing and seemingly invincible navy of the Ottoman Empire and Turkish forces. The allied powers were defending land and control sought by the Muslims. You will recognize one of the soldiers wounded at Lepanto, Miguel de Cervantes, also known as el manco de Lepanto (the cripple of Lepanto).
In 1566 Pius V, a Dominican Monk, had risen to the highest position in the church as Pope. Unlike other popes during Spain´s reconquista, Pius V was a humble and pensive man. Pius had studied theology and philosophy for 16 years before his appointment. He was aware of the struggle and the atrocities war had brought to his Papal States. He wanted an end to the Muslim aggression and a stop to the violence brought to his kingdoms. With Vienna and the eastern borders of the Papal States feeling pressure from the Turks, Pius willingly contributed men and resources.
1570; Cyprus is laid siege to by an imposing Turkish army. The Catholic Knights and Holy League of Spain: Genoa, Venice, and the Knights of Malta are called to defend Cyprus and the Mediterranean.
Until this battle, the Turks had an unbeatable navy. The objective for them in the Mediterranean at this juncture was to obliterate all Christian sea-vessels. If the Ottoman Empire had control of the sea lanes and trade routes of the Med., they would also gain economic control of Europe. With 330 ships, 40,000 men, and a menacing reputation Ali Pasha and Uluch Ali had a good chance of taking the day.
October 7th, 1571, day of, Don Juan of Austria, the young Christian fleet commander rode on the center ship in the Christian battle formation. With 100 ships and 30,000 men coming from Philip II, this was Miguel Cervantes´ unit, Don Juan sent 300 ships and 50,000 men head first at the Turkish fleet.
Cervantes had joined the Naples fleet after leaving Spain for Italy in search of a better life. It is noted Cervantes fought valiantly and was extremely proud of his duty as a military man. The wounds at Lepanto, one to the chest, was minor compared to the permanent damage done to his left hand or arm. He emerged from the battle as Manco de Lepanto (maimed of Lepanto or cripple of Lepanto). Cervantes was sent to Messina, Sicily to recover after the skirmish.
Don Juan and the Christians would take the day and Ali Pasha´s head, literally. When the two fleets clashed, the Turkish commanders’ vessel was boarded and against Don Juan´s wishes, Pasha was beheaded. After the cannon smoke had cleared the Turks sustained 25,000 dead, 16, 000 wounded and nearly all of their fleet sunk or damaged. During the battle 12,000 additional Christian slave-prisoners were set free who had previously rowed the Turkish fleet into formation!
Lepanto was the fist major defeat to the Ottoman and Turkish powers. When news made it to Europe of the Holy League´s victory, church bells rang out in every major city and village. Only 110 Turkish ships survived the encounter and the Ottoman Empire limped home to recover and rebuild. There would be more land and sea attacks from the Turks but this was the first major loss to their numbers and blow to their ego. October 7th is, today, marked on the Christian calendar as a feast day in honor of the victory at Lepanto.
