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The alliance was concluded between
Venice, Spain, and Pope Pius V.
The allies were led by Don John of
Austria, who was the half brother of
Philip II of Spain.
Their fleet consisted of more than 200 ships.
The Turks were led by Ali Pasa,
who was the governor of Alexandria, and Uluj Ali.
The Battle of Lepanto lasted four hours. The allies won.
And here is
the map:
1571 Battle of Lepanto
EK RECEIVED MAIL
Here is a little bit more
background info on Cyprus and the Holy League, thank you V.W. !
Cypress had fallen to the Turks some
months before except for the small stronghold of Famagusta.
Famagusta also surrendered on August
4, 1571, and all of the Christians were butchered. It was in the
hands of the Turks at the time of the battle on October 7.
The Turks, after the conquest of
Cypress, were making probing raids along the eastern coast of
Italy, even as far as Venice itself. These raids were obvious
preparations for an eminent full scale attack on southern
Europe, so much so that the Holy League was formed to stop it.
The common threat was the only
thing that could over-ride the mistrust Spain, Genoa, and Venice
had for each other. That and the pressure from Pope Pius V.
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