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or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com. It's October 7, 1571, in the Gulf of Patras, off the west coast of Greece.

Don John of Austria watches from his flagship as the last of his fleet moves into formation, its oars sweeping back and forth like the beating wings of a giant bird.

His armada of more than 200 galleys flies banners from eight different nations across the Christian world.

Each ship carries hundreds of sailors, oarsmen, and soldiers.

This is the fleet of the Holy League, an alliance of Catholic powers that's been

assembled to fight off the advance of the Muslim Ottoman Empire. Don John is 24 years old, with a

finely groomed beard and mustache. He's a young admiral to command so many ships, but he is the

half-brother of the powerful king of Spain who insisted that John be placed in charge. Now he must show that his half-brother of the powerful king of Spain, who insisted that John

be placed in charge. Now he must show that his half-brother's faith in him is not misguided.

Across the bay, the Ottoman fleet rose into position. It was spotted at dawn,

sailing out of the port of Lepanto. It is even larger than the Christian armada, but John is

still eager for the fight.

John looks up as the wind suddenly turns.

Now the Christians have the breeze at their backs, surely a sign of God's favor.

John checks one last time that the stragglers are in position and that his fleet is ready for battle.

Then he gives the signal.

The flag of the Holy League is hoisted into the air. The blue and

gold banner has been blessed by Pope Pius V himself, and at over 20 feet long is visible to every

ship in the fleet, as well as to the enemy. As if in answer, a single shot rings out from the

...