7 Oct 1571: Ottomans routed at Lepanto

On this day in 1571, the short-lived Holy League annihilated the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto.

In my view, 1571 is one of those years that should be automatic for Jeopardy! players.

Other facts about the Battle of Lepanto:

• Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, lost the use of his left hand during the battle
• the Ottoman forces were led by Sufi Ali Pasha, who was killed
• it was the last major battle with ships powered by oarsmen

The Holy League was an alliance of states bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It was arranged by Pope Pius V in 1571 to break the Ottoman Empire’s stranglehold of shipping in the east.

Don Juan of Austria, the illegitimate half-brother of Spanish king Phillip II, was the league’s commander. It disbanded in 1573 after a truce was signed with the Ottomans.

Only three maritime nations did not join:

• France, which was at war with Spain (and allied with the Ottomans in that pursuit)
• Portugal, as its navy was busy expanding its claims in the Indian Ocean
• Holy Roman Empire

Image: unknown artist (16th c.), National Maritime Museum