Part 8: The Battle of Lepanto The Last Empress of Byzantium
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The Battle of Lepanto was the last great battle of the Byzantine Empire. It was fought on October 7, 1571, between the forces of the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League, a coalition of European powers led by the Republic of Venice and the Papal States.
The Ottoman forces, led by Sultan Selim II, had been advancing steadily through the Mediterranean for years, and had already conquered much of the eastern Mediterranean. The Holy League was formed in response to the Ottoman threat, and was composed of the Republic of Venice, the Papal States, Spain, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Knights of Malta, and the Papal Navy.
The Battle of Lepanto was a decisive victory for the Holy League. The Ottoman forces were defeated and the Ottoman navy was destroyed. The victory was a major blow to the Ottoman Empire and marked the beginning of the decline of their power in the Mediterranean.
The Last Empress of Byzantium, Theodora, was present at the battle. She had been sent by her father, Emperor Constantine XI, to rally the troops and to inspire them to fight for their freedom. She was successful in her mission, and the Byzantine forces fought bravely and courageously.
The victory at Lepanto was a major turning point in the history of the Byzantine Empire. It was the last great battle of the Empire, and it marked the beginning of a period of decline and eventual dissolution. Theodora was the last Empress of Byzantium, and her reign ended with the Battle of Lepanto.