The Battle of Lepanto.

Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto, occurred on this day in 1571. During the 15th century the Ottomans grabbed the remaining territories of the Byzantine Empire in Anatolia, with the effective conquest of Constantinople in May 1453. By the time the Turks' presence in what was once part of cultural Greece had been confidently established, the Turks began a war of expansionism and religion in order to slowly occupy Europe, in a way, they partly succeeded, as we can see even today how Islam is a minority religion in parts of the Balkans. Indeed, at various times during the 16th century, the Turks were almost at the gates of Europe and would continue to be until their demise in 1918. Empires such as Austria or Venice were the outposts of Europe and would often have to protect the already trembling European geopolitical equilibrium from such threats. Lepanto marks not only an important victory, as it put an end to the Ottomans' advancement in the Aegean sea, but it is a perfect example of cooperation and innovation. 

The Holy League, the alliance that fought the Ottomans, was a miracle of diplomacy - war started in the 1540s when Venice refused to cede Cyprus to the Turks' and the only solution was a cooperation of Spanish force and Venetian seapower, the situation was quite problematic though, as Venice deeply distrusted Spain and Spain was in no good economic conditions. The Pope himself, Pius V, intervened and through his political skills, and not without effort, he made it possible for the Spanish and the Venetians to work together, with the military power being Spaniard but with the Venetians providing the massive fleet, the Pope also ensured that the Italian States, such as Tuscany, Urbino, Genoa and his Papal States joined the war. As a token of neutrality, the Pope and the Genovese provided the admirals: Gianandrea Doria and Marcantonio Colonna. The Catholic Habsburg also sent a considerable aid to the by then called Holy League. The combined fleet assembled in Sicily on August 24, departing on September 16. Battle erupted on October 7, soon the larger Ottoman fleet became victim of the organised navy of the Holy League, divided in four squadrons that eventually ensued a glorious victory. Victims were numerous on both sides, but the allies captured over a hundred ships and liberated over 15,000 Christians. This great victory started the Age of Sail and it was the first one fought between galleys and galleasses. 

News reached Rome early on October 22, a great service of thanksgiving was led by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica, all the bells of the major European cities rang joyfully and this victory had a long lasting impact on the continent's morale, to the point that the symbolic event was credited to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary, still remembered to this day. Interestingly, even Elizabeth I of England rejoiced at the glad news, and she had bells rung in all churches, thanksgiving prayers said in all churches, including a solemn service led by the Bishop of London in St. Paul's cathedral, as well as bonfires lit throughout London, the virgin queen herself supported the Holy League in keeping Christendom safe: the Infidels, who have already a great part of that most goodly and strong kyngdome in theyr possession, shoulde prevayle wholly agaynst the same (whiche God forbyd), and all the rest of Christendom should lye as it were naked and open to the incursions and invasions of the sayde savage and most cruell enemyes the Turkes. Artists of the caliber of Tintoretto, Titian and Giorgio Vasari immortalised the iconic battle. Indeed, this wasn't the battle that put an end to the Ottoman threat, but it is the one that set the morale that saved Europe every time until 1918.