29. The Tudors and the Turks

In this episode of "Empire," the hosts explore the intriguing ties between 16th- and 17th-century England and the Ottoman Empire, offering a fresh perspective that challenges conventional historical views. They begin by examining the Battle of Lepanto and how it shaped European attitudes towards Ottoman strength. The discussion then reveals England's surprising susceptibility to Ottoman slave raids, which prompted the establishment of trading ventures like the Levant Company. A compelling story featured is that of Henry Hyde, a royalist turned Venetian spy and Ottoman official, who ultimately met his fate as a traitor. The episode wraps up by comparing the limited growth of the Levant Company to the meteoric rise of the East India Company, highlighting how the enduring power of the Ottoman Empire restricted British expansion opportunities. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of England's early global interactions and the intricate interplay of power and trade during the early modern era.