Naval Battles: 1400-1600
The period between 1400 and 1600 saw the shift from unwieldy warships meant for conducting infantry battles at sea to large, purpose-built, sailing men-of-war featuring cannon mounted in broadside. Notable engagements of the period include the Battle of Lepanto and the Spanish Armada.
Ottoman-Habsburg Wars: Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto was a key naval engagement during the Ottoman-Habsburg Wars. Meeting in the Gulf of Patras, the forces of the Holy League succeeded in defeating the Ottoman fleet and ending Turkish expansion in the Mediterranean.
The Battle of Lepanto was a key naval engagement during the Ottoman-Habsburg Wars. Meeting in the Gulf of Patras, the forces of the Holy League succeeded in defeating the Ottoman fleet and ending Turkish expansion in the Mediterranean.
The Anglo-Spanish War: The Spanish Armada
Arriving in July 1588, the Spanish Armada sought to control the English Channel and aid in transferring troops from Holland for the invasion of England. Shadowed by the English fleet, the Armada was harried by hit-and-run attacks until being defeated at the Battle of Gravelines on August 8. Retreating north, the Spanish lost many ships on the Irish coast as they sought to return to Spain.
Arriving in July 1588, the Spanish Armada sought to control the English Channel and aid in transferring troops from Holland for the invasion of England. Shadowed by the English fleet, the Armada was harried by hit-and-run attacks until being defeated at the Battle of Gravelines on August 8. Retreating north, the Spanish lost many ships on the Irish coast as they sought to return to Spain.