Fields, Nic Lepanto 1571. The Madonna's Victory

The battle of Lepanto has long been considered one of the decisive naval battles of history. Yet, the savage fighting on Sunday, 7th October 1571 left the strategic map unchanged and the defeated Ottoman Turks were able to replace their losses and launch a new fleet the following year. Nic Fields re-examines the battle and concludes that, while it merely confirmed a strategic reality that had already emerged during the 16th century (i.e. that naval supremacy lay with the Sublime Porte in the eastern Mediterranean, and with Habsburg Spain and its Catholic allies in the western Mediterranean), it's vital importance was psychological. It sank the perception of Ottoman dominance and the inevitability of Islam's westward encroachment beyond the Balkans. With over 200 ships per side, it was the largest naval battle in the 16th century and the last major fight between fleets composed entirely of the muscle-driven galley. These slender ships were the direct descendants of the Classical trireme but carried cannon and marines bearing firearms, although massed archery and cold steel still played a major rôle on the fateful day. Nic Fields gives an excellent account of this fascinating and spectacular battle.

With more than 200 ships on each side, it was the largest naval battle of the 16th century and the last major battle between fleets propelled almost entirely by muscle power. These sleek ships were the direct descendants of the classic triremes, but carried cannons and marines with firearms, although the massive use of the bow and cold steel still played an important role on the fateful day. Nic Fields provides an excellent account of this fascinating and spectacular battle.