6. Battle of Lepanto (1571)
The Battle of Lepanto was a turning point in naval history. As the largest naval clash of the Renaissance, it halted Ottoman expansion across the Mediterranean and signified the end of traditional galley warfare. Lepanto’s fierce engagement showcased the growing dominance of gunpowder weaponry at sea, forever changing naval tactics and ship design. Its outcome ensured that European powers would remain prominent in Mediterranean affairs for centuries.
