Mediterranean Naval Battles That Changed the World

by Quentin Russell

Overview

Seven key naval battles or campaigns in the Mediterranean, spanning from 5th century BC to WW2 that changed the course of history: Salamis (480 BC), Actium (31 BC), Lepanto (1571), the Nile (aka Aboukir Bay, 1798), Navarino (1827), Cape Matapan 1941 and the Siege of Malta 1940-42 are described in detail.

Focusing on seven decisive naval engagements from the Greek defeat of the Persians at Salamis in the fifth century BC to the Siege of Malta during the Second World War, this book tells the story of the Mediterranean as a theater of war at sea. Each of these fiercely fought battles was to change the balance of power and shape the course of history. Before telling the story of each battle in detail the history of the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean and the effect of the development of naval architecture and design on the outcomes is outlined: Lepanto was the last major battle fought between galleys; Navarino was the last major battle to be fought entirely by sailing ships; and Cape Matapan (where a young Duke of Edinburgh saw action) was the first operation to exploit the breaking of the Italian naval Enigma codes. The battles included are: Salamis (480 BC), Actium (31 BC), Lepanto (1571), the Nile (aka Aboukir Bay, 1798), Navarino (1827), Cape Matapan 1941 and the Siege of Malta 1940-42.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526716019
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	04/01/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	241
File size:	52 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr Quentin Russell is a historian, writer and producer. His TV documentary, An Exile in Paradise: The Adventures of Edward Lear in Greece and Albania, won the New York Festival’s Arts Silver Medal in 2009 and was broadcast internationally. He holds a PhD in 19th Century Anglo-Greek relations and his essays have appeared in various prestigious publications such as British Art Journal.

Table of Contents

Maps ix

Introduction 1

1 The Development of Naval Warfare in the Mediterranean 17

2 Salamis, 480BC 43

Defeat of the Persians heralds in the Golden Age of Athens

3 Actium, 31BC 73

Victory for the future Augustas Caesar over his former ally Mark Antony marks the end of the Republic and the beginnings of imperial Rome

4 Lepanto, 1571 101

Defeat for the Ottoman fleet by an alliance of Catholic forces ends the threat of Turkish domination in the Mediterranean

5 Aboukir Bay, 1798 129

Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile thwarts Napoleon's plan to take Egypt and weaken Britain by threatening its interests in the East

6 Navarino, 1827 159

A European coalition united by the cause of Greek liberty defeats the Turkish navy to create an independent Greek state and further weaken the grip of the Ottoman Empire in Europe

7 Cape Matapan and the Battle for Malta, 1940-42 189

The struggle for naval supremacy in the Mediterranean turns on the Royal Navy's victory at Cape Matapan and its efforts to save Malta from Axis occupation opening the way for victory in North Africa and the invasion of Italy

Bibliography 223

Index 227

Editorial Reviews

"Quentin Russell has given us a well-written and informative book that is accessible to any student of naval history...a fine survey of the major engagements that shaped a critical region and,in turn, the wider world."

Sea History Magazine

"The strongest aspect of the book is Russell’s ability to humanize his narrative, bringing out the human aspects behind the major naval battles and technological advancements of very different eras. This is particularly important today, as science struggles with negationist and other retrograde and negative concepts of society. Readers can expect a humanistic, but also deeply researched analysis of naval battles."

The Northern Mariner

"The book is well put together, with frequent illustrations of both ship models and period artwork that render otherwise abstract ships with physicality and clarity."

Journal of Military History