alternatehistory.com

In the year of the Lord, 1537 , there was a grave danger for the christian lands in mediterranean : the ottoman navy under the leadership of brilliant admirals was threatening to overrun the venetian outposts in the east and ravaging the italian and spanish coasts .

In the middle of the sea routes of the Ionian Sea is a couple of islets , Strofades , and in the larger one there is an old medieval fortified monastery and a place of pilgrimage for the nearby islanders. The sea around the islets are notorius for the terrible weather , with scattered shipwrecks .

Fate was cruel for the great Hayreddin Barbarossa , kapudan pasha of the Sultan's fleet . In a furious storm his galley shipwrecked in the rocks around the monastery.
Next year , pope Paul III assembled the Holy League , and soon a christian fleet faced the Ottomans led by Turgut Reis off the coast of Preveza.









In this senario there is no Barbarossa and Andrea Doria is more aggressive and willing sacrifice his ship .

I imagine a Lepando Holy League victory in 1538 .


What are the consequences ?


a) Would it lead to a stronger spanish position in the Barbary Coast ? Of course the Hapsburgs have no strategic goal to control the inland of their strongholds in the african shore , but it is probable for more spanish outposts .

With no need for a Lepando campaign in 1571 and better control of the western mediterranean, it is possible for the Spanish Crown to have more resources to funel for the supression the Dutch revolt - but not enough I think .

b) The Venetian empire in the east have more chances to survive or prolong it's fall under ottoman rule .

c) No siege of Malta perhaps



It is my first thread . I would be really happy for your ideas
Top