The Holy League Naval Victory Over the Ottoman Fleet Off Western Greece on 7 October 1571 That Was the Last Great Galley Battle in History
The Christian Holy League fleet of approximately 212 galleys defeated the Ottoman fleet of approximately 251 galleys at the Gulf of Patras off western Greece on 7 October 1571. About 30,000 Ottoman sailors and approximately 7,500 Christian sailors were killed in approximately four hours of close combat. Approximately 12,000 Christian galley slaves chained to Ottoman rowing benches were liberated. It is conventionally the last major naval battle fought primarily with oared galleys.
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