Empire of the SeaBy: Roger Crowley

Presentation by Matthew Bishop

The Stage is Set Set in the 1500's the book is about details Mediterranean and New World struggles for conquest. Suleiman is the new sultan of the Ottoman empire. He intends to create an imperial Islam and acquire Europe and beyond. Charles V has inherited Spain, Austria, Hungary, and many other territories throughout Europe. He desires to maintain and grow his territory and defend Christian interests.

The Siege of Rhodes After a last stand at Acre, near the end of the Crusades, the Knights of Saint John sought refuge at Rhodes. Rhodes was the last Christian held island in deep Ottoman territory. From the island the Knights performed raids on coastal towns and trading vessels. Suleiman aimed to take back Rhodes and sent two hundred thousand men equipped with artillery and backed by an Armada. Rhodes put up a fight but fell after 3 months of siege. The Knights retreated to fight another day.

The Barbarossas The Barbarossas were two brothers named Oruch and Hizir. After losing a brother to the Knights of Saint John, they chose to participate in the Holy War. They used their roots as seasoned sailors and created a corsair fleet in which they pirated and enslaved the Spanish coast. Oruch was feared for his cruelty and eventually attracted Charles to respond.

The Barbarossas

Charles sent a force of ten thousand men to take Tlemcen, where Oruch resided. Oruch was slain and his brother took up the fight. Hizir chose a different tactic and requested his province to be included within the Ottoman empire. Suleiman renamed Hizir to Hayrettin and gave him troops, ships, and funding to be able to continue his Holy War.

A Tale of Two Commanders

With Hayrettin now conscripted to lead the Mediterranean Holy War, Charles needed to fight back. He bought the services of Andrea Doria, a great admiral of that time. Doria helped Charles strike back against Suleiman and Hayrettin on multiple fronts including the Grecian coast.