A lesser-known event that Malta contributed to was the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a conflict that saw Christian Europe rally once more against the Ottoman Empire following the siege of Malta in 1565.The immediate cause of the battle was the Ottoman seizure of Cyprus which was then Venetian territory, part of their broader effort to expand in the Mediterranean.The battle itself involved some 500 ships and over 170,000 men on both sides. For the Christian forces, this represented between 70% and 90% of the Mediterranean’s galleys, highlighting the seriousness of the battle.While history traditionally records Christian Europe as the absolute victor, historians like myself have scrutinised these accounts to question whether the long-term victory truly lay with the West.In “From the Great Siege to the Battle of Lepanto,” Joseph Muscat observes that “the Battle of Lepanto was never to be repeated. The two powers would never again confront each other at sea in such grand formation.”The argument follows that, although the Ottoman fleet was decisively defeated at Lepanto, it was rebuilt within a few months, whereas the Holy League- the coalition of Christian states, dissolved within weeks. In this light, the battle’s long-term impact may have been far less decisive than traditional narratives suggest.The historical contextIn the latter half of the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire faced growing external pressure, both along its continental borders in central Europe and across its Mediterranean coastline.Protecting the trade routes that connected its European, Asian and African provinces became a central priority of Ottoman foreign policy, prompting the creation of an imperial navy. This initiative was particularly urgent given the challenges of maintaining communication across the empire’s vast territories, which threatened the security and efficiency of its trade networks.The Ottomans were well aware of the Christian counter-threat posed by various European powers. For example, the Corsair-Knights of Malta carried out raids along the coasts of the Morea, Tunis, Syriam, Asia Minor and several islands of the Archipelago.Neither the Ottomans nor the Christians relinquished the idea of expansion to further their influence with regards to culture, trade, religion and economy.“A fearsome element in the eyes of Christian contemporaries appears to have been the attractive qualities measure of fiscal and cultural autonomy to the Christian communities. The meritocratic character of Ottoman society offered great opportunities to homines novi,” writes Muscat.Leading up to the battleThe Sultan had little to no support from allies against his enemies in both the East and the West. In the East, the Uzbek Khans of Central Asia did align with him against the Shah, and the Christian kings of Georgia also provided assistance against Persia. However, the Indian princes, who opposed Portugal between 1580 and 1640, were largely unable to offer support, being in need of aid themselves.At the time, the Maltese islands were governed by the Hospitaller Order of St John and Malta provided ships and experienced sailors who helped strengthen the Holy League’s fleet. According to historical records, the Knights sent between three and four galleys to the battle.The battleThe allies at Lepanto were the Venetians, Spanish, Sicilians, Genoese, Neapolitans and Maltese apart from the French, Germans, Poles and Hungarians but who did not represent their countries. All of these powers were travelling east to fight against the vast Ottoman empire.The Christians managed to put together roughly 91,000 people in all, including around rowers, soldiers and sailors. Spain was to pay half the expenses, Venice one third and the Pope a sixth. The Ottomans had roughly 80,000 people and just before the battle, they were strengthened by another 14,000 men.The battle soon turned into close-quarters combat, where the armoured Spanish soldiers, equipped with harquebuses, proved more effective than the Turkish archersChristian slaves played a crucial role in the victory by revolting against their captors, prompting panic and flight among the Ottoman crews. Some aided the Christian galleys by defying orders, while others attempted to escape, spreading confusion aboard the Turkish ships. The natural elements also favoured the Christian fleet: the sea was calm, the sun shone directly into the eyes of the enemy, and the wind blew to the Christians’ advantage.The aftermath of the battleCorpses were seen drifting everywhere- along the shores, upon the waves of the open sea and even as far south as Crete. The once-dominant Ottoman fleet, which had ruled the Mediterranean, returned to Constantinople under Uluç Ali (Ucciali) with only 25 galleys and 20 galleots remaining.The Turks had lost 170 galleys, either burned or sunk, while 130 were captured as prizes. An estimated 40,000 soldiers and sailors were killed, all the captains perished, and 8,000 men were taken prisoner.Several sources agree that the Ottomans lost around 30,000 people. As for the Christian side, around 7,656 were killed.The Holy League’s victory at Lepanto held significant propaganda value, fuelling the imagination and ideals of a crusade. The irony of the battle’s aftermathIt has been proposed by several historians that Constantinople should have been attacked after the battle of Lepanto but the Christian fleet was badly damaged and not in a position to attack the enemy.Beyond the dangers of the sailing season, the Christian fleet faced exhaustion among its rowers and severe damage to many of its galleys—lacking oars, sails, rudders and broken rams. Though the battle was complete, the fleet was in desperate need to return home.By mid-October, the Christian allies dispersed and returned to their respective kingdoms. Unfortunately, political divisions prevented the Holy League from capitalising on its triumph. Rivalry and self-interest among the Spaniards and Venetians obstructed any further expansion of Christian influence in the Mediterranean. By February 1572, disputes over the expenses of the Lepanto campaign had become constant.Ucciali, a Turkish leader in the battle, returned to Constantinople with 60 ships but a year later he was able to build 200 galleys and galliots.By the spring of 1572, the Ottomans were once again at sea with a fleet of 134 galleys and several galliots- an extraordinary accomplishment. It is said that the Doria family from Genoa was the only Christian ally who had predicted that such a feat could be achieved.The Christian allies were unable to challenge the Ottomans effectively. In 1572, the Christian fleet suffered defeat at Modon, and the following year Venice withdrew from the conflict, seemingly exhausted, bringing all hopes of a crusade or league to an end. By 1574, the Ottomans achieved victories at La Colette and Tunis.Ottoman expansion continued after Lepanto as seen from the conquest of Tunis in 1574 and the raid of Palermo in 1576. As expansion continued, so too did the fleet continue to grow. In 1601, the Ottoman fleet consisted of 21 galleys from Istanbul, nine from Rhodes, two from Cyprus, two from Alexandria, two from Tripoli in Syria, one from Damietta, one from Nauplia, three from Scio, two from Negropont, one from Cavalla and one from Mytilene, making a total of 45 sails.The Pope at the time, Pope Pius V, died on 1 May 1572 and with him died the last hopes for an enduring Holy League. He was one of the people that was advocating for the Holy League’s unity and continuation.With all these facts in mind, can we truly say that the victory by the Christians at the battle of Lepanto completely destroyed the Turks, claiming absolute victory? Given the fact that the Ottomans were able to repair their losses in just a few short months and the Christians did not try to increase its expansion after its victory, it comes as no surprise that the Christian win and eventual propaganda comes across as very ironic.What do you think?•