28. The Battle of Lepanto

In this episode of "Empire," the focus is on the Battle of Lepanto, a significant naval confrontation in 1571 between the Holy League—comprising the Venetians, Spaniards, and Papal States—and the Ottoman Empire. The podcast explores the historical background of the conflict, the makeup of both fleets, including the notable participation of Cervantes, and the battle's dynamics, highlighting the critical role of Venetian cannons. Although the Holy League celebrated a decisive victory, the episode reveals that it didn't signal an immediate decline for the Ottoman Empire, which quickly rebuilt its navy and continued its territorial ambitions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this crucial event and its far-reaching effects on the balance of power in the Mediterranean and beyond.