Naval Battle of Preveza
Mediterranean conflicts (War of the Holy League) · Preveza, Ionian Sea (present-day Greece)
Summary
On 26–27 September 1538, off Preveza, the Ottoman fleet of Khayr ad-Din Barbarossa defeated the Holy League (Spain, Venice, Papacy, Genoa) commanded by Andrea Doria. Despite limited Christian losses, the episode secured Ottoman supremacy in the Mediterranean until Lepanto in 1571.
Historical context
During the Ottoman–Venetian War (1537–1540), the Holy League gathered around Pope Paul III (Spain, Genoa, Venice, Order of Malta) faced Barbarossa's Ottoman fleet in the Ambracian Gulf. France was allied with the Ottomans to counter the Habsburgs in the Mediterranean.
Tactics
On 26 September, a first inconclusive clash between galleys; on the 27th, Barbarossa attacked the rear of Doria's fleet heading for Cape Ducato. Galley maneuvers and broadside artillery, close combat and boarding characterized this naval duel off Preveza.
Consequences
Barbarossa achieved a decisive success: Doria lifted the blockade of Preveza on the night of 26–27 and withdrew toward Corfu, abandoning the smaller ships. Ottoman supremacy in the Mediterranean was assured until the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.