Mediterranean Naval Battles That Changed the World

By Quentin Russell

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 were 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen and Sword
• Release date: Mar 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781526716019

Quentin Russell

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.